US Attorney General Jeff Sessions repeated students’ chants of “lock her up!” at a conservative political summit, laughing at the call to jail Donald Trump’s former election opponent, Hillary Clinton.

Mr Sessions repeated the familiar phrase at a conference for conservative student group Turning Point USA, where he spoke this week along with other Trump administration officials like Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley.

Mr Sessions’ speech on Tuesday focused on what he called the “coddling” of American university students, especially the use of educational tools like trigger warnings and safe spaces.

At one point, the attorney general listed off activities that occurred on college campuses after the 2016 presidential election, including a planned event at the University of Michigan where students were invited to participate in “stress-busting self-care activities” like coloring, blowing bubbles, and sculpting with Play-Doh. The event was eventually cancelled due to criticism, according to Fox News.

“I can tell this group isn’t going to have to have Play-Doh when you get attacked in college and get involved in a debate,” Mr Sessions said. “You’re going to stand up and defend yourselves and the values you believe in.”

Trump South Carolina rally Show all 5 1 /5 Trump South Carolina rally Trump South Carolina rally President Donald Trump, in town to support Gov. Henry McMaster, speaks to the crowd at Airport High School, Monday, June 25, 2018, in West Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro) Richard Shiro AP Trump South Carolina rally President Donald Trump gestures during a rally at Airport High School in West Columbia, S.C., Monday, June 25, 2018, for Republican Gov. Henry McMaster. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Susan Walsh AP Trump South Carolina rally President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at Airport High School in West Columbia, S.C., Monday, June 25, 2018, for Republican Gov. Henry McMaster. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) Susan Walsh AP Trump South Carolina rally WEST COLUMBIA, SC - JUNE 25: President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally for South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster at Airport High School on June 25, 2018 in West Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) Sean Rayford Getty Images Trump South Carolina rally WEST COLUMBIA, SC - JUNE 25: President Donald Trump speaks to the crowd during a campaign rally for South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster at Airport High School June 25, 2018 in West Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) Sean Rayford Getty Images

As the crowd began to clap and cheer, Mr Sessions added: “I like this bunch, I gotta tell you. You’re not going to be backing down. Go get 'em!"

At this, several students started chanting “Lock her up!” – a familiar rallying cry from Trump campaign events. Mr Sessions laughed as the chants grew louder, and repeated: “Lock her up!”

“I heard that a long time on the last campaign,” he said, before returning to his prepared remarks.

Trump says 'lock her up' chant only 'plays great before the election'

The chant was a hallmark of Trump rallies during the presidential campaign, serving as a shorthand for Mr Trump’s suggestion that Ms Clinton be jailed for her use of a private email server as secretary of state. The FBI conducted an investigation into the issue in 2015, after which then-FBI Director James Comey recommends no charges be filed. The US Attorney General at the time, Loretta Lynch, declined to pursue charges.

Still, Mr Trump continued to raise the idea of prosecuting Ms Clinton throughout his campaign and into this presidency.

A year ago to the day, the president criticised Mr Session for not pursuing Ms Clinton forcefully enough, tweeting: “So why aren't the Committees and investigators, and of course our beleaguered AG, looking into Crooked Hillary's crimes & Russia relations?”

Mr Sessions told the House Judiciary Committee at the time that he had "not been improperly influenced and would not be improperly influenced" by the president's actions.