Trump tells activists he needs new border wall because existing barriers are 'rusted' and 'disgusting'

President Donald Trump on Wednesday complained about existing barriers along the Mexico border, calling them "rusted" and "disgusting."

In a conference call with about 900 activists, White House officials were said to push the slogan, "Build the wall and crime will fall."

According to author Colin Woodard, Trump told his supporters that he understands why some border residents do not want new barriers to be built.

"You see this stuff that was being put up it was disgusting, it was terrible," Trump reportedly said. "With the rusted steel and the top plates and so on. I wouldn’t want that in my backyard either."

"Being in the construction business I know how to build," the president added. "I think it's my biggest strength, although we do very well in foreign affairs as well, I can tell you."