AARP does not formally endorse the NRA, and the two organizations have taken opposing positions on several gun policy issues

AARP and the National Rifle Association (NRA) are separate organizations with different missions and policy priorities. AARP focuses on issues affecting people 50 and older—healthcare, Social Security, Medicare, housing, and financial security. The NRA advocates for gun ownership rights. While both organizations lobby on behalf of their members, they do not have a formal alliance, and they have publicly disagreed on specific gun-related policies.

The clearest example of their disagreement involves background checks for gun purchases. AARP has supported universal background check requirements, while the NRA has opposed them. This difference reflects their distinct constituencies and policy goals. AARP members include people across the political spectrum, and the organization's positions are based on research about what affects older adults' safety and wellbeing, not on a single ideological stance about gun ownership.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP and the NRA are independent organizations that do not formally support each other's positions.
  • AARP has supported universal background checks for gun purchases; the NRA has opposed them.
  • AARP's policy positions are based on research about older adults' health, safety, and financial security, not on gun rights ideology.
  • Individual AARP members may personally support the NRA or disagree with AARP's positions on any issue.

Where AARP and the NRA have disagreed on policy

AARP has taken public positions supporting background checks for all gun purchases, including private sales. The organization has also supported measures to keep firearms away from people with certain mental health crises and domestic violence histories. These positions align with research showing that background checks and extreme risk protection orders reduce suicide rates—a significant concern for AARP because suicide among older adults, particularly older men, is a major public health issue.

The NRA has consistently opposed universal background check requirements and has argued that such measures infringe on Second Amendment rights. The two organizations have not collaborated on gun policy and have testified on opposite sides of legislative debates at both state and federal levels.

AARP's actual policy priorities on guns

AARP's gun-related positions focus on specific public health outcomes rather than broad statements about gun ownership. The organization has advocated for safe storage laws—requirements that firearms be stored securely—because unintentional shootings and firearm suicides are leading causes of injury death among older adults. AARP has also supported research funding to study gun violence as a public health issue, which the NRA has historically opposed.

AARP does not take a position against gun ownership itself. The organization's stance is that gun owners and non-owners alike benefit from policies that reduce accidental shootings, suicides, and homicides. This is distinct from an anti-gun position; it is a public health position focused on specific harms.

Why AARP members might have different views

AARP's membership includes gun owners, gun rights advocates, and people who support stricter gun regulations. The organization does not require members to agree with all of its policy positions. Some AARP members support the NRA's positions, some support gun control measures, and some hold views that do not align neatly with either organization's stated platform.

AARP's official positions are determined by its board and staff based on member surveys, research, and advocacy priorities. Individual members are free to disagree with any position the organization takes. This is true for AARP's stance on guns as much as it is for its positions on healthcare, taxes, or any other issue.

How to find AARP's current positions on specific gun policies

AARP publishes its policy positions on its website and updates them as legislation changes. You can search AARP's site for "gun policy," "firearm safety," or "Second Amendment" to find the organization's current stance on specific proposals. AARP also publishes legislative scorecards showing how members of Congress voted on bills the organization supported or opposed.

If you want to know AARP's position on a particular gun-related bill or proposal, the organization's government affairs section is the most direct source. You can also contact AARP directly to ask about a specific policy question.

The difference between AARP's positions and individual member views

It is common for large membership organizations to take positions that some members disagree with. AARP represents millions of people with different political beliefs, life experiences, and priorities. The organization's positions reflect what its leadership and research identify as priorities for the 50-plus population as a whole, not what every individual member believes.

If you are an AARP member and disagree with the organization's position on guns or any other issue, you can contact AARP to share your view. Member feedback does influence organizational priorities over time. You can also choose not to renew your membership if the organization's positions no longer align with your values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AARP receive funding from the NRA?

No. AARP and the NRA are separate organizations with different funding sources. AARP's revenue comes from membership dues, insurance products, and grants. The NRA's revenue comes from membership dues, donations, and the sale of merchandise and educational materials. The two organizations do not financially support each other.

Can I be an AARP member and support the NRA?

Yes. AARP membership does not require you to agree with the organization's policy positions. Many AARP members support gun rights, and some are NRA members themselves. Your personal beliefs about gun ownership do not affect your membership status.

Has AARP ever worked with the NRA on any issue?

AARP and the NRA have not formed formal partnerships or jointly advocated for policies. They have taken opposing positions on gun policy issues and have not collaborated on shared priorities in recent years.

Where can I see how AARP voted on a specific gun bill?

AARP publishes legislative scorecards and policy statements on its website. You can search for the specific bill or year to find AARP's position. The organization also maintains a government affairs page that tracks current legislation it is monitoring or supporting.