SCIUTTO: Please take a moment to listen here if you can. A little more than two weeks ago, 31 people were killed in two mass shootings in the span of fewer than 13 hours. At the time, we asked the question, as I imagine many of you did as well, will this time be different? What will change following the latest in what has become a uniquely American problem, mass murders with high-powered weapons? In the days after those shootings, the president signaled an openness, at least, to change, specifically the possibility of universal background checks for gun purchases.</s>TRUMP: We need intelligent background checks, okay? This isn't a question of NRA, Republican or Democrat. I think we have now a chance to do something really much more meaningful.</s>SCIUTTO: That expression of support lasted about ten days. Just yesterday, crucially, after speaking with the NRA president, Wayne LaPierre, Trump backed away from support for expanded background checks, echoing NRA talking points, as he did.</s>TRUMP: We have very, very strong background checks. A lot of the people that put me where I am are strong believers in the Second Amendment, and I am also. And we have to be very careful about that. You know, they call it the slippery slope. And all of a sudden, everything gets taken away. We're not going to let that happen.</s>SCIUTTO: Well, now The Atlantic is reporting that President Trump has told the head of the NRA just yesterday afternoon that universal background checks are now off the table. Surprised? You shouldn't be because we've seen this before. Just like last year after Parkland where 17 --
Trump Caves On His Pledge For Meaningful Background Checks.