>> we certainly have to strengthen background checks. everybody agree with his that. >> i think we'll have the support of the nra having to do with impact ground checks. >> reporter: new reporting might explain why. >> there's no bigger fan of the second amendment than me and no bigger fan of the nra. >> reporter: cnn has learned that the president has spoken with the nra chief several times in recent days. la pierre warned trump that his supporters don't want expanded background checks. the nra spent more than $30 million to get trump elected in 2016, according to financial records and has swayed him on gun control in the past. >> they're very close to me, i'm close to them. >> reporter: we have new reporting coming in tonight, and that's the acting dhs secretary kevin mcaleenan came to the white house prepared to resign.