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College Student Defends Controversial Pro-Gun, Pro-Trump Graduation Photo

Posted byBy Tanasia Kenney | Published on: CommentsComments (0)
Brenna Spencer Photo

Brenna Spencer said she was shocked by the hate she received after posting her gun-toting graduation picture. (Image courtesy of Twitter/Brenna Spencer)

A Tennessee college student chose to end her college career with somewhat of a bang, ditching the traditional cap and gown for a “Women for Trump” t-shirt and a gun in her waistband.

Student Breanna Spencer, 22, celebrated her upcoming graduation from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga by posing for an unconventional graduation shoot promoting her love for President Donald Trump and her right to bear arms.

“I don’t take normal graduation photos,” Spencer captioned the photo, showing her posed in a pink “Women for Trump” shirt that she purchased, incidentally, during a visit to Trump Tower, ABC News reported. A handgun is also seen peeking from the waistline of her white skinny jeans.

The college senior drew controversy after tweeting the provocative picture, which has already received nearly 75,000 likes and 20,000 reactions from users. Spencer’s tweet drew the ire of some folks who completely disagreed with her views and lambasted the young woman for her “stupidity.”

Some pro-gun advocates expressed concern for Spencer, pointing to her lack of a proper gun holster. Others noted that the photos were taken outside a Tennessee museum that strictly prohibits firearms.


“I’m 100% pro-gun but brandishing a firearm for a photo shoot or showing it off to try and look cool is just stupid,” one commenter wrote. “They are tools. Why brag about carrying a gun?”

“Because I’m proud of my Second Amendment right and I want to empower other women!” Spencer shot back. ” … Absolutely they are tools but I will always brag about being able to carry a gun to protect myself, my friends, and my family!”

The college senior later explained that she was wearing a concealed carry belly band and pulled the gun out a little more to show off in the photo.

“I did think that it would get a little attention, but not to this degree,” the communications major told ABC News of the uproar over the photo. “It was really, really surprising to see the amount of hate that I got.”

Amid the backlash, there were still many supporters who applauded Spencer for her gumption in proudly supporting the Second Amendment.

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