Gareth O'Callaghan: Trump has his trigger finger on an angry pulse

Presidential candidate is pandering to America's powerful gun lobby — that's a lot of votes from the millions of people who think a loaded gun is the only way to protect themselves

In the run-up to a presidential election, gun owners feel nervous a candidate will threaten to take away their weapons. For Trump, it’s a golden opportunity. Picture: AP /Andrew Harnik

Donald Trump is no fool. “No one will lay a finger on your firearms,” if he’s returned to the White House, he told thousands of members of the National Rifle Association in Pennsylvania last month. He assured them he was “the best friend gun owners have ever had in the White House”. 

There are more firearms in the US than people are living there. It’s estimated 85 million people own at least one firearm. That’s a lot of votes when you’re looking at a group of people who believe a loaded gun is the only way to keep your family safe from intruders who carry loaded guns.