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NRA's Comeback Stalled by Infighting and Money Woes
Dismal fundraising and internal strife have hobbled the 154-year-old gun rights group's efforts to regain its political influence.
Feb. 2, 2026 at 9:39am
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The National Rifle Association is struggling to regain its status as a political powerhouse, with dismal fundraising and internal strife hampering its comeback efforts. Former NRA President Wayne LaPierre's exit amid a fraud trial and the subsequent power struggle with the NRA Foundation have taken a toll on the organization's finances and influence.
Why it matters
The NRA's decline as a political force could have significant implications for gun rights and gun control debates in the US, as the group has historically been a major player in shaping gun policy. The infighting and financial troubles raise questions about the NRA's ability to effectively advocate for its members and influence elections and legislation.
The details
After LaPierre's exit in 2024, his allies seized control of the NRA Foundation, the NRA's tax-exempt sister organization, creating a conflict that has "really holding the NRA back from turning the corner and starting to rebuild in earnest." The NRA's investment portfolio plunged from over $72 million in 2023 to less than $33 million in 2024, and its revenue from membership dues has spiraled downward, from $83 million in 2022 to $51.7 million in 2024.
- LaPierre exited the NRA in 2024 amid a civil fraud trial.
- By the end of 2024, the NRA's investment portfolio plunged from more than $72 million in 2023 to less than $33 million.
- The NRA's revenue from membership dues has spiraled downward, from $83 million in 2022 to $51.7 million in 2024.
The players
Wayne LaPierre
Former president of the NRA who exited the organization in 2024 amid a civil fraud trial, taking his fundraising prowess with him.
The NRA Foundation
The NRA's tax-exempt sister organization that was founded in 1990 for fundraising and educational grantmaking, and is now in conflict with the NRA.
What they’re saying
“When the dissidents turned on Wayne, those contributors went away.”
— Former NRA board member
What’s next
The NRA recently sued the NRA Foundation in federal court, alleging it is unfairly using the NRA logos to create a rival donor base and undermine the fundraising operations of the NRA. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the NRA's ability to regain its financial footing and political influence.
The takeaway
The NRA's decline as a political powerhouse highlights the challenges facing the gun rights movement in the US, as the organization grapples with internal strife, financial troubles, and the rise of well-funded gun control advocacy groups like Everytown for Gun Safety. The NRA's diminished stature could have far-reaching consequences for the national debate over gun policy.
