Trump Calls Out Republican Lawmakers Over Gun Reforms President Trump told the Congress they should not be afraid to defy the NRA. Taking on a moderate tone, Trump urged lawmakers to pass a bill that would expand background checks and raise the age limit to purchase guns to 21. "I want you to come up with a strong bill - and really strong on background checks." Trump called out his own party for being too scared to stand up to the NRA. "Some of you people are petrified of the NRA. You can’t be petrified. They have great power over you people. They have less power over me."