Trump praises “young, beautiful girls” at police rally amid crime talk

Donald Trump addressed a crowd of New York police officers, reiterating his view that Washington, D.C. was among the nation’s most unsafe cities before his administration’s intervention, even though violent crime rates have recently hit a 30-year low. He shifted to a personal story, describing how “young, beautiful girls” regularly approach him at the White House to express gratitude for feeling secure after relocating there.

The speech was part of a trip to Long Island to rally Republican support for upcoming midterm races, including backing gubernatorial nominee Bruce Blakeman against Governor Kathy Hochul. Trump also attempted to cast a positive light on the protracted war with Iran, at one point suggesting the Strait of Hormuz might be declared U.S. territory. He later answered a question about the USS Abraham Lincoln’s nine-month Middle East deployment, rejecting claims that the sailors’ mental-health risks were excessive. The event highlighted Trump’s focus on law-and-order themes while interspersing unconventional remarks about female visitors to the White House.