On Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Doug Hamlin and Institute for Legislative Action Executive Director John Commerford represented NRA members at a White House dinner hosted by President Donald J. Trump. The two executives joined nearly 100 leaders from the recreational shooting sports, hunting, and fishing industries for the occasion.
The dinner followed President Trump’s signing of a pair of executive orders aimed at expanding access to public lands and waterways. The orders seek to increase participation in hunting and fishing—longstanding American pastimes—with particular emphasis on introducing the next generation to the outdoors. Officials have noted the importance of that goal at a time when many young people spend extensive hours on screens.
“It’s so important we encourage and mentor our next generation of hunters and anglers to embrace the outdoors and all that it has to offer,” Hamlin said.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also attended. In remarks at the event, President Trump recommitted his administration’s support for Second Amendment rights. He reminded those present that those rights remain at risk unless Americans vote in the upcoming midterm elections. The president stressed that it is every citizen’s civic duty to vote and to encourage others in their networks to do the same, warning that failure to do so could cost Republicans their majorities in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.
President Trump specifically recognized the National Rifle Association of America in connection with the defense of freedom and the God-given constitutional right to keep and bear arms. During the program, he thanked Hamlin by name and stated that the Second Amendment must be kept going.
The gathering underscored the shared interest of the shooting sports community and the administration in opening more federal lands and waters to lawful recreation, promoting healthy wildlife populations, and passing outdoor traditions to younger Americans and veterans. NRA leaders described the invitation as a high honor and an opportunity to represent the Association’s members at a moment of policy focus on access and heritage.
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