Presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Monday that he would consider shutting down mosques if he were elected president.

"I would hate to do it," Trump said. "But it's something that you're going to have to strongly consider."

"Because some of the ideas and some of the hatred — the absolute hatred — is coming from these areas," he explained.

Trump made the comments while appearing on the "Morning Joe" show.

The show host Joe Scarborough pointed out that France is discussing shutting down "mosques where hate is preached" after the attacks on Paris last week.

"It's something that many people — it's not me — it's something that many people are considering, and many people are going to do," Trump said. "The hatred is incredible. It's embedded. It's embedded. The hatred is beyond belief. The hatred is greater than anybody understands."

Trump also suggested additional surveillance of mosques.

"Because a lot of talk is going on at the mosques. And from what I heard, in the old days — meaning a while ago — we had great surveillance going in and around mosques in New York City," he continued. "And I understand our mayor totally cut that out."