The 377,000-member FPO joins the International Union of Police Associations and the National Association of Police Organizations in endorsing Trump.
The national Fraternal Order of Police, America’s biggest and oldest police union, on Sept. 6 endorsed former President Donald Trump .
“During his time in the White House, we had a partner and a leader. Today, Mr. President, we stand with you,” Fraternal Order of Police President Patrick Yoes said at the group’s meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sept. 6.
“We have your back, and we’re committed to work tirelessly for your election.”
The national union has endorsed candidates from both major political parties over the years but has favored Trump during all three of his presidential runs.
After Yoes introduced Trump, the Republican presidential nominee drew frequent applause from the FOP as he described steps he intends to take to bolster police, pursue stricter penalties for serious crimes, and crack down on illegal immigration.
Because Harris is a former California prosecutor and Trump is awaiting sentencing Nov. 26 for business-records offenses in a controversial New York case, some of her supporters have characterized the race as “the prosecutor versus the felon.” Following the FOP endorsement, the Republican Party was branding the former president and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), as “The Pro-Police Ticket.”
The 377,000-member police union joins the International Union of Police Associations, the National Association of Police Organizations, and “numerous local, state, and police advocacy groups” in endorsing Trump rather than his opponent, Trump campaign senior adviser Bob Paduchik told reporters during a pre-announcement phone call.
How Union Decided Endorsement
Based on votes from all 46 of its state lodges, the FOP chose Trump instead of Harris after considering policy positions of both candidates.
Trump met with an FOP committee, “but no similar meeting was granted” by Harris’ campaign, the FOP said in a news release.
In addition, Trump answered a questionnaire from the union, while Harris’ campaign responded with a letter “describing some of their positions on criminal justice and police labor issues,” the union said.
By Janice Hisle
