The right to bear arms is often a contentious topic of discussion among Americans. While in many parts of the world political debates and campaigns tend to focus on issues such as the economy, foreign policy, security or health, in the United States one key and emotional point for attracting voters is the right to carry weapons.

In 1791, the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America was approved, and since then citizens of the U.S. have had the right to keep and bear firearms: “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

The Second Amendment was intended to improve security in the country and protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners, but uncontrolled gun use and the prevalence of mass shootings have sparked a never-ending debate that has become one of the key political issues that Americans must consider when voting.

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Donald Trump and firearms

Donald Trump has always been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. During his time as president of the United States between 2017 and 2021, he considered the right to bear arms as key to individual freedom among citizens.

Since he left the White House, Trump has repeatedly warned Americans that if Democrats took control of the government, they would confiscate their guns. In his campaign for the 2024 Elections he continues to defend gun owners and the Second Amendment.

It is not publicly known for certain whether Trump has any firearms at home, but he has confirmed on occasion that he wants to buy one. In 2023 he confessed to wanting to purchase a Glock when he saw one in a gun store.

His words sparked controversy because under federal law, a person who has been convicted of a felony cannot own or possess a firearm.

Earlier this year, Trump became the first former U.S. president to be convicted of felony crimes.

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Kamala Harris confirms having a gun at home

In a conversation with Oprah Winfrey last month, Harris defended her position on the Second Amendment. When asked about gun ownership, the Democratic candidate claimed to be a gun owner, and said “if someone comes into my house, I will shoot them.”

She jokingly commented later that she shouldn’t have said that. All indications are the weapon she owns is a mid-sized Glock.

During the presidential debate on September 10, Harris was accused by Trump of wanting to remove and confiscate Americans' guns, but she defended herself by explaining she supports the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as long as it is well regulated.

In this regard, she has presented several proposals to control gun ownership, such as a ban on assault weapons and universal background checks. Although she does not want to take away the right to bear arms, she does seek stricter gun laws.