US Republicans attack Obama's gun control moves

Republicans have criticised Barack Obama's moves for gun reform in the United States, with one senior Republican saying his words and actions were "a form of intimidation that undermines liberty".

The president gave a tearful speech on Tuesday at the White House, announcing details of moves to tighten gun laws in the country.

He said was looking to honour the Second Amendment's right to bear arms, while reducing gun-related deaths.

But House of Representatives Speaker and Republican Paul Ryan said that Obama did not respect "the right to safe and legal gun ownership".

Paul Ryan attacked Obama's call for restrictions on gun ownership. Credit: Reuters

Ryan highlighted the Second Amendment that gives US citizens the right to bear arms and stated that Obama's "word does not trump the Second Amendment".

Paul Ryan tweeted his stance on Obama's plans to tighten gun controls. Credit: Twitter/Paul Ryan

Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump also emphasised that Obama's plans go against the Second Amendment of the US constitution and that they were "no good" and "no fair".

The businessman said if he is elected as president this year, he will repeal President Obama's planned executive action to expand background checks for gun buyers.

Trump is seen as the frontrunner in the Republican nominations for president. Credit: Donald Trump campaign

Presidential hopeful and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush wrote in an Iowa newspaper, The Gazette, that Obama was “trampling on the Second Amendment".

He commented that Obama’s declaration showed an utter disregard for "the proper constitutional process for making laws in our nation."

Jeb Bush said he would repeal Obama's executive order if he became president. Credit: Reuters

The businessman and politician said he would repeal Obama's executive orders "on day one" if he is elected as president in the 2016 elections.

Republican presidential candidates Carly Fiorina and Ben Carson also criticised the president's plans.

Former business executive Carly Fiorina said that Obama should enforce the laws already in place, while retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson said the president's actions had "little to do with actually protecting American citizens".

Some Republicans made it clear that they oppose Obama's reforms, although some downplayed their significance.

Kevin McCarthy, leader of the Republican majority in the House of Representatives, said that this was actually "only a weak gesture - a shell of what the president actually wants."