Trump on FSU Shooting, Gun Control, and Fed Chair Powell

Response to FSU Shooting

• 💔 President Trump described the deadly mass shooting at Florida State University as "terrible" and a "shame."
• 🇺🇸 When asked about stricter gun laws, Trump stated, "I'm a big advocate of the Second Amendment. I have been from the beginning. I protected it. And these things are terrible. Uh but the gun doesn't do the shooting. The people do."
• 🚫 Trump has not indicated support for new gun control measures following the incident.

Trump's Stance on Gun Regulations

• 📜 In February, Trump signed an executive order directing his attorney general to review stricter gun regulations imposed by the Biden administration.
• ⚠️ During his first term, following the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, Trump did enact a ban on bump stocks, but this was later struck down by the Supreme Court.

Conflict with Fed Chair Powell

• 🗣️ President Trump has continued to criticize Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, particularly after Powell noted that Trump's tariffs could lead to higher inflation.
• 🏛️ Trump has suggested he could remove Powell, stating, "If I want him out, he'll be out of there real fast, believe me."
• ⚖️ Fed Chair Powell has clarified that the President does not have the authority to remove him, emphasizing that his independence is protected by law enacted by Congress, which requires removal only "for cause."

Federal Agency Independence

• 🗓️ Fed Chair Powell's term as chair is set to end in May 2026.
• ⚖️ This clash occurs as the administration attempts to exert more power over independent federal agencies, with legal challenges ongoing, including one before the Supreme Court concerning the Labor Relations Board, which Powell is closely monitoring.