Major Police Union Throws Unexpected Support Behind Key Presidential Candidate

The Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed Donald Trump for president, sparking significant discussions about law enforcement in the political arena.

At a Glance

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has endorsed Donald J. Trump for President of the United States.
Patrick Yoes, National President of the FOP, announced the endorsement.
The FOP praised Trump for his previous support of law enforcement and border security.
Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead, among others, condemned the endorsement.
Trump re-emphasized his support for law enforcement and vowed to restore public safety.

Support from the Fraternal Order of Police

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has officially endorsed Donald J. Trump for President. National President Patrick Yoes disclosed the endorsement, noting their strong alignment with Trump’s law enforcement policies. The FOP, with a significant membership exceeding 377,000 officers, has praised Trump’s support for law enforcement and border security throughout his prior term.

The FOP’s endorsement process involves input from all of its members through its 46 State Lodges, and Trump secured the endorsement with substantial support. The FOP evaluated the records of both 2024 presidential candidates and decided based on responses to their questionnaire and other exchanges. Notably, an FOP committee met personally with Trump. Patrick Yoes confirmed, “Public safety and border security will be important issues in the last months of this campaign.”

Yoes explained the comprehensive consideration behind this endorsement, “Our members carefully considered the positions of the candidates on the issues, and there was no doubt—zero doubt—as to who they want as our President for the next four years: Donald J. Trump.” The FOP has previously endorsed Trump in both 2016 and 2020, indicating a consistent support base within the organization.

Opposition and Criticism

Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead and over 100 law enforcement officials nationwide have condemned the FOP’s endorsement of Trump. These officials instead support Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, putting a spotlight on the division within the law enforcement community. Trump took the opportunity to address hundreds of officers at a FOP meeting in Charlotte, reiterating his commitment to law and order. Birkhead voiced his disagreement, emphasizing his support for Harris instead.

Trump’s Commitments and Statements

Trump used his address to the FOP to strongly criticize the current U.S. judicial system, pointing out the recent legal challenges he has faced, including nearly three dozen felony convictions. He celebrated a New York judge’s decision to delay his sentencing until after Election Day, which could play a role in the ongoing political narrative.

Trump promised to crack down on “Marxist prosecutors” and suggested that law enforcement could help prevent voter fraud. He asserted that police presence would deter misconduct during elections, “I hope you as the greatest people…watch for voter fraud,” Trump spoke to the officers expressing his confidence in their role in ensuring fair elections.

Historical Support for Trump

The FOP highlights that its endorsement history includes candidates from both parties who prioritize law enforcement. Donald Trump’s track record during his first term showed significant support for law enforcement and opposition to anti-police movements, which played a crucial role in the FOP’s ongoing support. “During his time in the White House, we had a partner and a leader,” Yoes recalled. “We have your back.”

“During his first term, President Trump made it clear he supported law enforcement and border security,” Yoes reflected. “In the summer of 2020, he stood with us when very few would. With his help, we defeated the ‘defund the police’ movement, and finally, we are seeing crime rates decrease. If we want to maintain these lower crime rates, we must re-elect Donald Trump.”