WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Friday he believes he has influence to rally Republicans around stronger federal background check laws as Congress and the White House work on a response to last weekend’s mass shootings in Texas and Ohio.

At the same time, Trump said he had assured the National Rifle Association that its gun-rights views would be “fully represented and respected.” He said he was hopeful the NRA would not be an obstacle to strengthening the nation’s gun laws.

He said he is looking for “very meaningful background checks” but is not considering a resurrection of an assault weapons ban. He said he believes lawmakers will support “red flag” laws that allow guns to be removed from those who may be a danger to themselves and others. “I see a better feeling right now toward getting something meaningful done,” Trump told reporters when asked why the political environment was different. “I have a greater influence now over the Senate and the House,” he said at the White House.

Democrats have been skeptical of Trump’s commitment to gun control.