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CHICAGO — President Donald Trump called the violence in Chicago “a scourge” and said he will bring change, even if his administration has to “go in and take over cities.”

Trump called out Chicago during a law enforcement round table at the White House on Monday.

“When you have 88 shootings, that’s not even conceivable, that’s worse than Afghanistan, I hate to say it. That’s worse than any war zone that we’re in by a lot,” Trump said.

In June, the president sent a letter to Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. JB Pritzker, condemning their leadership and calling for action.

The letter reads in part, “I write to you today to call your attention to and urge action on the devastating violence in Chicago. While I have been heartened to see crime reductions nationally the last few years, I have been horrified by the continued violence in this great American city.”

Lightfoot responded by saying, “I don’t need leadership lessons from Donald Trump.”