The White House said Thursday that President Obama’s anticipated executive action to impose new gun regulations will likely come after the holidays.

Noting that various top government officials are examining gun-control measures that Mr. Obama could take, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said, “I anticipate that work will continue through the holidays.”

Mr. Obama is considering expanding background checks on gun purchases, among other steps.

The president held a private meeting Wednesday at the White House with former New York City Mayor and gun-control advocate Michael Bloomberg, a session that was not on Mr. Obama’s public schedule. The White House revealed later that the two discussed “ways to keep guns out of the hands of those who should not have access to them,” and possible state and local government actions to limit gun violence.

Mr. Earnest said the meeting was “intended to be private,” but reporters learned about it, prompting the White House to disclose it after the fact.

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