Trump's predecessor, President Barack Obama, had struggled to balance his rhetorical support for the police with empathy for the protesters. But Trump has more vocally offered backing to the police.

"We must end the reckless words of incitement that give rise to danger and violence, and take the time to work with cops, not against them, not obstruct them -- which is what we're doing," Trump said.

Trump alluded to violence in cities such as Baltimore and Chicago, saying that poorer, more disadvantaged residents often suffer the most. "We cannot stand for such violence; we cannot tolerate such pain," he said. "My administration is totally determined to restore law and order and justice for all Americans, and we're going to do it quickly."