Trump cites mental health, does not mention guns, in talk on Fla.
WASHINGTON — Declaring the nation united and grieving with “one heavy heart,” President Donald Trump promised Thursday to tackle school safety and “the difficult issue of mental health” in response to the deadly shooting in Florida. He made no mention of gun violence.
Mr. Trump addressed children: “I want you to know that you are never alone and you never will be. You have people who care about you, who love you, and who will do anything at all to protect you.”
While he stressed mental health and school safety, his latest budget request would slash Medicaid, the major source of federal funding for treating mental health problems, and cut school safety programs. Last year, he signed a resolution blocking an Obama-era rule to prevent mentally disabled people from acquiring guns.
Hours before he spoke, Mr. Trump tweeted: “So many signs that the Florida shooter was mentally disturbed, even expelled from school for bad and erratic behavior. Neighbors and classmates knew he was a big problem. Must always report such instances to authorities, again and again!” Some on social media said he was blaming the victims.
Before he was a candidate, Mr. Trump favored some tighter gun regulations, but he embraced gun rights as a candidate, and the National Rifle Association spent $30 million in support of his campaign.