Recent news of a Russian operative gaining influence with the NRA is proof positive the reds are still under the bed. This whole thing smells like a dirty trick to undermine the NRA so that gun controls and eventual gun confiscation can take place. If you think gun outlawing and confiscation can't take place - just ask the Australians, it happened to them about 15 years ago. No matter what one may think about private ownership of firearms, it is the ultimate guaranty against tyranny. That's precisely why the founding fathers created the second amendment - colonist ownership of firearms allowed us to rebel against English tyranny.
Trump just got a lesson from Putin. Putin played that old Soviet game of deny, deny, deny. Right to the grave if necessary - Remember Alger Hiss? He did the same despite conclusive proof he was a Soviet mole. They believe if you are consistent and persistent someone will always believe you and it will foster doubt in others.
By the way the reds are still under America's beds. They are laying low for now, because they are making good progress for their socialist vision of America and the world. Right now they are hoping for big gains with a properly steered or manipulated Trump.
Trump for his part is keenly aware of what is arrayed against him, but may be ignorant of subtle tactics and strategic moves.
Trump for his part is planning his next move - he may have done what he did to get his adversaries / competitors off balance. This time instead of putting them on their back, it may be in getting them to lean too far forward so they fall on their face.