The National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the largest and oldest law enforcement labor organization in the United States, has endorsed former President Donald Trump as the Republican nominee for president.

The announcement, made by FOP National President Patrick Yoes, comes just months before the upcoming election, with the FOP also backing Sen. JD Vance for vice president in a serious blow to the hopes of Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris, as Breitbart reports.

The endorsement reflects the FOP's stance on key issues like public safety and border security, which the organization says played a crucial role in their decision.

The FOP conducted a thorough review of the candidates, including Harris. However, after comparing both campaigns, the organization ultimately decided that Trump was the preferred choice for its membership.

Trump's Support of Law Enforcement Highlighted

In his announcement, Yoes emphasized Trump’s strong support for law enforcement throughout his first term as president. This included his actions during the civil unrest that followed the death of George Floyd in 2020. According to Yoes, Trump's stance helped to combat the "defund the police" movement that gained momentum during that time.

Yoes stated that the FOP recognized Trump’s leadership as pivotal in opposing efforts to weaken law enforcement. He credited Trump’s support with contributing to a decrease in crime rates across the country.

“During his first term, President Trump made it clear he supported law enforcement and border security,” Yoes remarked. “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.”

FOP Considers Both Candidates, Chooses Trump

In making its endorsement, the FOP revealed that both campaigns were given the opportunity to share their positions on issues of importance to law enforcement. Trump’s campaign submitted a detailed questionnaire to the FOP, while the Harris-Walz campaign also communicated with the organization via a letter. However, no in-person meeting was held with the Democratic Party ticket.

Yoes highlighted that the FOP committee met personally with Trump, which gave the organization an opportunity to hear firsthand about his plans for public safety and border security. The FOP's decision was influenced by this direct interaction, along with Trump’s past record of support for law enforcement.

Fraternal Order of Police's Longstanding Role in Endorsements

The FOP has historically played a significant role in presidential endorsements. Representing over 700,000 sworn officers across the country, the FOP’s backing is highly coveted by presidential candidates. The organization also endorsed Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.

Yoes emphasized the responsibility that comes with leading an organization of such size and importance. “The FOP is the number one voice of America’s law enforcement. We have a responsibility to our members, to the 700,000 sworn law enforcement officers in the United States, and to the communities they serve to do our part in determining the direction in which our country will head,” Yoes said.

FOP Members Provided with Information to Decide

The decision to endorse Trump was not made lightly. According to Yoes, the FOP provided its 377,000 members with detailed information about the candidates and their positions on key issues. This allowed the rank-and-file members to make an informed decision.

“Public safety and border security will be important issues in the last months of this campaign,” Yoes noted. “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.”

Trump’s Past Support for Law Enforcement

Throughout his presidency, Trump earned a reputation as a strong supporter of law enforcement. His administration prioritized increasing funding for police departments and bolstering border security measures. Yoes and other FOP members noted these actions as essential in restoring order during times of social unrest and ensuring safer communities.

Yoes also pointed out that Trump provided “strong, effective leadership” during his first term, particularly during crises that involved law enforcement. The FOP’s endorsement reflects its confidence in Trump’s ability to continue leading in a way that supports police officers across the country.

FOP’s Endorsement Marks a Key Moment in 2024 Campaign

The FOP’s endorsement of Trump signals a major development in the 2024 presidential race, particularly with regard to law enforcement issues. The organization's focus on public safety and border security aligns closely with Trump’s platform, making the endorsement a significant moment for both the campaign and the FOP itself.

“He led our nation through some very tough times,” Yoes said. “He provided our nation with strong, effective leadership during his first term, and now that he is seeking election to a second term, we intend to help him win it.”

Conclusion

The National Fraternal Order of Police has officially endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election, citing his strong track record on law enforcement and public safety.

The organization, which represents over 700,000 officers, emphasized that its decision was based on Trump’s leadership during his first term, particularly during the social unrest of 2020.

With public safety and border security as key issues, the FOP believes that Trump is the right candidate to lead the country for the next four years.