Politics

The 2016 Presidential Candidates React to Obama's Executive Orders on Gun Control

By sidestepping Congress, President Obama's executive action can more quickly enact gun legislation, but that means the next president could just as easily strike it down.

By Sarah Gibbens and National Journal

When it comes to Second Amendment issues, it doesn't take long for the 2016 presidential candidates to weigh in.

Following the White House's announcement that the president would take executive action to increase gun regulation, and President Obama's Tuesday press conference, the White House hopefuls used Twitter to voice their opinions.

#StopGunViolence was Twitter's top trend and the hashtag used by the White House. #GunsInAmerica was also promoted by CNN. The network will host a town hall Thursday where the president will further discuss his new gun-control measures.

Unsurprisingly, the most vocal candidates were those promising to reverse any actions taken by Obama.

Because Obama's actions sidestep Congress, his successor could reverse or uphold the executive orders just as easily as they were instated. Measures taken by the president include increasing the efficiency of background checks, clarifying a loophole that allows guns to be more easily sold online or at conventions, researching and implementing gun-safety technology, and providing funding for mental-health care.

Republican candidates were ready to decry efforts by the administration.

In a video tweeted by Jeb Bush prior to the White House press conference, he strongly disagreed with the president, saying, "The protection of the Second Amendment keeps us safe," and that gun ownership "reeks of common sense."

He also tweeted a statement shortly following the press conference.

Other GOP candidates similarly tweeted about what they believe to be a constitutional violation.

Front-runner Donald Trump commented on the possibility of an executive order to regulate firearms Sunday on CBS's Face the Nation where he said, "I don't like anything having to do with changing our Second Amendment."

The Democratic presidential candidates, who agree with the president's actions to increase gun regulations, vocalized support but to a lesser extent than their Republican counterparts.