Trump rallies have proven to be hostile territory for activists voicing their dissent against the candidate or even journalists offering critical coverage. Now it appears Donald Trump has shifted that zero tolerance policy to crying babies.

During a campaign stop in Ashburn, Virginia, Mr Trump paused in the middle of his speech to the sounds of a baby crying. His security team had just escorted a group of silent protesters from the event, and perhaps the audience felt the baby had a similar fate.

“Don’t worry about that baby. I love babies,” Mr Trump told the audience. “I hear that baby crying, I like it. What a baby, what a beautiful baby. Don’t worry, don’t worry.”

As Mr Trump continued his tirade about China, he was forced to pause one more time to take back his initial promise of letting the baby be.

“Actually, I was only kidding, you can get that baby out of here,” Mr Trump said. “Don’t worry, I think she really believed me that I love having a baby crying while I’m speaking. That’s OK.”

It remains unclear whether or not security actually escorted the mother and child out of the event.