At least 49 people were killed and 42 were injured at two mosques in Christchurch on Friday when a gunman opened fire. Most of the victims were shot at the Al Noor Mosque, while the rest were killed at another mosque in suburban Linwood. Some were even kneeling in prayer when the gunman struck.
A man in his 20s has been charged with murder, while two others are in custody.
The suspected shooter reportedly left behind a 74-page manifesto which denounced immigrants and praised Mr Tump as “a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose”.
But Mr Trump responded that although he does not see a rise in white nationalism, it may be an issue in New Zealand.
When asked by a reporter if he sees an increase in white nationalism, Trump said: “I don’t really. I think it’s a small group of people.”
The US President also tweeted his condolences to New Zealand earlier in the day.
He wrote: “My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people in New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques.
“49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured.
“The US stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!”
He also told New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a phone call that the United States is prepared to give any assistance following the killing of 49 people.
He added on Twitter: ”I informed the Prime Minister that we stand in solidarity with New Zealand – and that any assistance the USA can give, we stand by ready to help.”
When speaking to reporters at the White House, Mr Trump also said: “Earlier today I spoke with Prime Minister Ardern of New Zealand to express the sorrow of our entire nation following the terrorist attacks at two mosques.
“These sacred places of worship were turned into scenes of evil killing.”
Mrs Ardern described the incident, the worst mass shooting in New Zealand’s history, as an assault on the country’s values.
She said in a national address: ”We were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone racism, because we are enclave for extremism.
“We were chosen for the fact that we are none of these things. It was because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion, a home for those who share our values.
“You have chosen us but we utterly reject and condemn you.”