Donald Trump may cut 70% of business regulations in US

US presidential candidate Donald Trump has promised to introduce major federal reforms for businesses in the country, with the potential of repealing up to 70% of regulations aimed at companies.

Speaking at an event in New Hampshire ahead of Sunday evening's second televised debate with Democrat rival Hillary Clinton, Trump said that small companies were being stifled by a plethora of regulations.

"We are cutting the regulation at a tremendous clip," Trump said. "I would say 70% of regulations can go. It's just stopping businesses from growing."

Earlier on Thursday, one of Trump's financial policy advisers said that the figure was much lower, citing 10% of unnecessary regulations that would face the chop.

Trump also fended off comments that he used the town hall event as a practice for Sunday night's debate.

"This has nothing to do with Sunday," he said. "Even tonight they said 'Donald Trump is going to New Hampshire to practice for Sunday'. It's like they make you into a child."

After the first televised debate between Trump and Clinton, the former secretary of state has gained steadily in polls due to an assured performance, in contrast with the New York tycoon's disorganised manner.