White House says Trump ‘supports’ gun checks

US president Donald Trump is “supportive” of efforts to improve background checks on gun ownership, according to the White House.

The statement was issued in the wake of last week’s horror school shooting in Florida that left 17 dead.

Gunmannikolas Cruz, 19, had been investigated by the authorities for posting disturbing content online.

Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president had spoken to Senator John Cornyn about a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen the FBI database of prohibited gun buyers.

She said: “While discussions are ongoing and revisions are being considered, the president is supportive of efforts to improve the federal background check system.”

The bill would penalise federal agencies that fail to provide the necessary records and reward states that comply with federal grant preferences and other incentives. Mr Trump has been a strong supporter of gun rights and the National Rifle Association.