Europe Asia News

The president's remarks came after the White House took responsibility for dozens of overnight arrests in Washington as part of a campaign to combat what he called a "crime crisis," which city leaders say does not exist.

Earlier this week, Trump raised a never-before-used provision in the law that allows the federal government to temporarily take control of the police in the federal district, but extending this period beyond the 30 days allowed by law would require Congress's approval.

During a visit to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Trump said, "We will need a crime bill, which will initially concern Washington. We will use it as a very positive example and will seek extensions, long-term extensions, because 30 days is not enough."

Although the Senate and House of Representatives are in recess and not scheduled to reconvene until September 2, he said he expects to introduce the bill "very quickly." Trump also referred to other options to expand control over the police, adding: "If there is a national emergency, we can do it without Congress as well."