President Joe Biden was a surprise guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday night to discuss the recent incidents of gun violence across America.
The president's first in-person appearance on a late night talk show since taking office comes after a spate of horrifying mass shootings across the country, including in New York, Buffalo, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Texas, which left 19 school children dead.
When asked by the show's presenter Jimmy Kimmel why he had not issued an executive order to help prevent such tragedies taking place, Mr Biden claimed he did not want to "emulate (Donald) Trump’s abuse of the Constitution".
"I have issued executive orders, within the power of the presidency, to be able to deal with these, everything having to do with guns, gun ownership, all the things within my power," the politician explained on the late-night show.
"But what I don’t want to do, and I’m not being facetious, is emulate Trump’s abuse of the constitution and constitutional authority."
He continued: "I often get asked, ‘look, the Republicans don’t play it square, why do you play it square?’
"Well, guess what? If we do the same thing they do, our democracy would literally be in jeopardy.
"It’s not a joke."
Prior to Mr Biden's appearance on the show, the show's official Twitter account took aim at those who are against political action being taken to end gun violence.
"To everyone who is outraged that President @JoeBiden is here, we’re sending you thoughts and prayers to help get you through this difficult time," the tweet captioning a preview of the show read on Wednesday night.
Reaction to the 46th President of the United States appearing on the late-night show was mixed on social media.
"Why the hell is Joe Biden on Jimmy Kimmel Live??? If you don’t get your ass back to the Whitehouse && fix this country," one unimpressed Twitter user mused prior to the show airing, with comedian Tim Young sarcastically adding: "I'm sure Joe Biden will answer ALL THE DIFFICULT QUESTIONS, that have definitely not be pre-prepared for him on Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
Some enjoyed Mr Biden's appearance, with one supportive tweet reading: "Joe Biden was great on Jimmy Kimmel tonight. Just sayin."
Another positive viewer added: "We can do this, we’re the United States of America. Joe Biden on Jimmy Kimmel. He gives me hope."
Mr Biden's TV appearance to discuss gun violence comes after actor Matthew McConaughey made emotional opening remarks at the top of a White House press briefing.
The Interstellar actor appealed for Congress to "reach a higher ground" and pass gun control legislation in honour of those killed during the incident in Uvalde, his home town.
During his moving speech he used personal stories involving of a number of the victims, displaying the artwork of one girl and the trademark green Converse trainers worn by another.
The Oscar-winning actor called for background checks for gun purchases and for the minimum age to purchase an AR-15-style rifle to be raised from 18 to 21.
"We want secure and safe schools and we want gun laws that won’t make it so easy for the bad guys to get the damn guns," Mr McConaughey said during his on Tuesday.
The dad-of-three acknowledged that gun legislation would not end mass shootings but suggested that steps can be taken to prevent such heartbreaking tragedies occurring so often.
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