NRA's Wayne LaPierre Steps Down Amid Civil Trial Over Misuse of Funds

Longtime leader accused of charging over $11 million in personal expenses to the NRA and creating a culture of fear and obedience.

Wayne LaPierre, the longtime leader of the National Rifle Association (NRA), is stepping down from his position amid a civil trial scrutinizing his leadership and spending at the nonprofit.
LaPierre and other NRA leaders are accused of violating nonprofit laws and misusing millions of dollars of the organization's funds for personal use.
Accusations include LaPierre charging the NRA more than $11 million for private jet flights and authorizing $135 million in NRA contracts for a vendor who provided him with luxury trips and yacht access.
LaPierre is also accused of consolidating power and avoiding scrutiny by hiring unqualified underlings, doctoring invoices, and retaliating against those who questioned his spending.
The trial is expected to last six weeks, with testimony from roughly 120 witnesses.