Trump calls for more armed teachers during CPAC speech

President Donald Trump, in a wide-ranging speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Friday, reiterated his desire to arm more school personnel following last week’s deadly school shooting in Parkland, Fla. “Why do we protect our airports and banks, but not our schools?” Trump asked. “When we declare our schools to be gun-free zones it just puts our students in far more danger.” The president said he does not want all teachers forced to carry firearms or complete gun training, but he insisted many gun-adept teachers with military or law enforcement backgrounds could do more to protect their students. “I don’t want to have a hundred guards standing with rifles all over the school,” he said. “You do a concealed carry permit. This would be a major deterrent.” Trump declared Democrats want to strip Americans of their Second Amendment rights, but also said he intends to force action on some gun laws. He called for reforms to strengthen the background check system for gun purchases and said the United States needs to better address mental health conditions. Friday’s speech was Trump’s sixth time to addresses CPAC. He told the friendly crowd his administration completed the most successful first year of any administration in history. The president drew roaring applause when highlighting his 2017 accomplishments, including nominating Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, slashing regulations, and signing the Republican tax system overhaul.