The National Rifle Association is taking credit for electing President-elect Trump and said that victory must be followed with stopping anti-gunners like billionaires George Soros and Michael Bloomberg who are expected to take their campaigns to state governments

"Our time is now. We must approach the coming fights with the same urgency and determined action that ended the political future of Hillary Rodham Clinton," said NRA leader Wayne LaPierre in a message to his 5 million members.



He said:

We also face a growing group of anti-Second Amendment elitist billionaires, led by George Soros and Michael Bloomberg. By pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into state and local elections, they have succeeded in confusing many voters into believing clever labeling like "universal background checks" and so-called "common sense" schemes will make a difference in the safety and security of our communities.

The truth is, the anti-gun billionaires have only one goal: the absolute eradication of the Second Amendment freedom for the average American citizen. Not for their security forces, their families and themselves. But for you: the everyday American who stormed the polls in an act of ultimate defiance of the elites. They will continue to enjoy the support of an openly dishonest media that truly hates your right to speak, your right to worship and your right to vote. And most of all, your right to keep and bear arms.

The NRA put more than $20 million into the election and said its members and extended family delivered Trump his victory.

"You did this. Don't let anybody else tell you otherwise," said the Second Amendment group's executive vice president.

"Let me remove all doubt: gun owners made this election happen. Hillary Clinton made her hatred for the Second Amendment a central issue of this campaign and as a result of that fatal mistake, she's on permanent political vacation," he said.

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com