President Trump defended the National Rifle Association on Thursday amid criticism of the organization following last week’s shooting at a Florida high school, saying its top officials and employees are “great American patriots” who will “do the right thing.”

“What many people don’t understand, or don’t want to understand, is that Wayne, Chris and the folks who work so hard at the @NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots. They love our Country and will do the right thing. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump tweeted Thursday, referencing NRA CEO and Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and NRA Institute for Legislative Action Executive Director Chris Cox.

What many people don’t understand, or don’t want to understand, is that Wayne, Chris and the folks who work so hard at the @NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots. They love our Country and will do the right thing. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2018



Trump’s tweet comes ahead of LaPierre’s expected speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, an annual conservative gathering taking place this week.

His appearance there has been kept under wraps following last week’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where 17 people were killed and at least a dozen were injured.

The NRA has faced additional scrutiny following the shooting, as calls for stricter gun laws have been renewed.

Trump tweeted Thursday he plans to push proposals to raise the purchasing age for firearms such as the AR-15 to 21 years old and to strengthen background checks.