Jeb Bush shared a picture of his personally-branded gun and it was action stations on Twitter

US presidential hopeful Jeb Bush has put Twitter in a tailspin by sharing a picture of his gun.

Wed, 17 Feb, 2016 - 00:00

Bush, who is hoping to secure the Republication nomination in the battle for the White House, included the one-word caption: “America”.

America. pic.twitter.com/TeduJkwQF3
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) February 16, 2016

The gun is inscribed with his name “Gov. Jeb Bush” referring to his previous role as the Governor of Florida, although plenty of doctored images suggested alternative titles for the politician.

Some people have seen the post as a cynical ploy to win the backing of the influential National Rifle Association, a pro-gun group.

America. Where if all else fails, you can always try pandering to the @NRA. https://t.co/QZBDAv7SeA
— Archived: U.S. Rep Kathleen Rice (@RepKathleenRice) February 16, 2016

While others, including Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan, have expressed their disappointment in Bush.

Shame on you, @JebBush.
I thought you were smart when I interviewed you.
I was wrong.
You're a gun-slathering fool. pic.twitter.com/j2ZPYukzIp
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 16, 2016

Others have questioned why Bush wanted to link such an image to the US.

Even if in favor of gun ownership rights, I cannot fathom how this is a desirable way to sum up a country. https://t.co/z6pjP6qfqF
— Dan Dana (@dantheshive) February 16, 2016

And some saw the picture as an out and out threat.

I'm not saying what might happen if you don't vote for me. Just remember I have a gun when you go into that booth. https://t.co/G6E61SspwQ
— Lyle Rath (@LyleRath) February 16, 2016

Others worried about the safety of Ugly Betty actress America Ferrera.

Or even Jeb’s *own* safety.

Seriously how is this not a cry for help. https://t.co/1X0AeE4XJS
— David Reevely (@davidreevely) February 16, 2016

you okay buddy? you need a hug? there are other solutions. https://t.co/RMeM9YhH1N
— Villalobos (@RamonVillalobos) February 16, 2016

There were also people posting their pictures with the caption “America”, or that of another country - including Ireland.

.@JebBush Ireland. pic.twitter.com/BKFcoL0Nds
— Colin Moran (@CollieCoaching) February 16, 2016

America. pic.twitter.com/3VrCl3Klj1
— priscilla page (@BBW_BFF) February 16, 2016

.@JebBush Germany pic.twitter.com/rYdYp80GYI
— Wolfgang Blau (@wblau) February 16, 2016

Spain @JebBush pic.twitter.com/d6mACzlvVW
— Guillermo Rodríguez (@guirodi) February 16, 2016

And people who did know about guns had their own comments…

@JebBush Safety is off, dummy. There's everything we need to know about your judgement & leadership skills. #Bravo
— Scott Wichmann  (@scottwichmann) February 16, 2016