Donald Trump says cities need Washington’s help on crime

In a meeting with police union officials, President Trump said Tuesday that Washington is largely ignoring rising crime in cities around the nation.

“In too many of our communities, violent crime is on the rise,” Mr. Trump told nine Fraternal Order of Police officials from across the country. “Sadly, our police are often prevented from doing their jobs. These are the painful realities too many in Washington don’t want to talk about.”

The president pointed to the example of Chicago, where nearly 700 people have been shot so far this year.

“There’s no excuse for it. All of our citizens have the right to live every day in safety and peace,” Mr. Trump said.

The president didn’t outline any new strategies in the “listening session” with police officials but thanked them for cooperating with the federal government to remove illegal immigrant criminals and gang members from the U.S.

“We’re removing MS-13, we’re removing criminals all over the country, we’re taking them out,” he said. “You’ve been doing a fantastic job. As president, I will work night and day to make America safe again.”

He praised Attorney General Jeff Sessions for issuing a warning Monday that so-called “sanctuary cities” are facing the loss of federal funding for harboring illegal immigrants who are wanted for committing crimes. Mr. Trump told Mr. Sessions that his announcement was “a very important thing … and frankly a very popular thing.”