Opinion
With Wayne LaPierre’s departure, the National Rifle Association (NRA) must now confront the failings of its current Board of Directors. Once a powerhouse in American politics and gun rights advocacy, the NRA has seen its trajectory marred by legal battles, financial mismanagement, and diminished influence, highlighting significant governance and leadership failures.
High-profile lawsuits have revealed internal mismanagement, implicating key board members. Additionally, several past officers have been shown to have had serious financial improprieties. These legal entanglements have not only tarnished the NRA’s reputation but also diverted resources from its core mission to legal defense efforts. The silence of many board members has been as detrimental as any overt misconduct, as they failed to engage with or understand their legal duties, allowing the NRA to stray from its intended path.
In 2019, directors Sean Maloney, Esther Schneider, and myself (Timothy Knight) tried to address these issues head-on, but we only faced almost unanimous opposition. Marion Hammer notably criticized us for questioning the leadership and financial integrity of then-CEO Wayne LaPierre.
Had our reforms been embraced, the NRA could have remained a significant player in subsequent elections, preserving its credibility and member trust. Instead, many key departments have been weakened.
The silence of long-serving board members since 2019 is particularly troubling.
Directors who did not challenge or address the organization’s direction publicly then should be questioned and potentially voted out in upcoming elections, as their inaction represents a neglect of fiduciary duty.
Despite this, some directors have been vocal reform advocates. Amanda Sufacool, Al Hammond, Buz Mills, Rocky Marshall, and former director Frank Tait have been forthright in their efforts to redirect the NRA (Frank is on the 2025 ballot). Their outspokenness is crucial for any revival. Jim Porter, once an insider, has also joined the reformers, running as a petition candidate in 2025 after not being renominated, showcasing his dedication to reform.
The 2024 election of four reform candidates was a step towards recovery, but more action is needed. For the NRA to reclaim its former standing, members must support candidates who have earned ballot access through petitions, signaling a commitment to transparency and accountability. Note that John Richardson, while nominated by the committee, also ran a petition campaign, and I endorse him as a vital advocate for a reformed NRA.
Current NRA President Bob Barr’s endorsements for 2025 should be scrutinized; voting against them is necessary to remove those who have either led the NRA’s decline or failed to act during its crises.
The NRA is at a pivotal moment. Its future hinges on electing reform-minded leaders to rebuild trust and relevance. This NRA board election could herald a new era for our association, where it once again becomes a respected and influential advocate for its core values and members in our Constitutional Republic.
NRA voting-eligible members, please get those NRA Board of Director ballots mailed in way before the early April cut-off. Forward!
On my honor & yours in liberty,
Timothy Knight
Former NRA Director
Grassroots Advocate
NRA Whistleblower
Founder of the Colorado Recall Movement
NRA Members: You Need Frank Tait on the Board Vote YES! ~ VIDEO
About Timothy Knight
Timothy Knight is a dedicated advocate for Second Amendment and Constitutional rights, known for founding the successful Colorado recalls. He served on the NRA Board, where his integrity earned him a reputation as an NRA Whistleblower. A skilled shooter and devoted family man, Timothy’s early experiences as an Eagle Scout have shaped his lifelong commitment to service and leadership.
