Donald Trump Secures Key Endorsement from National Fraternal Order of Police
In a major boost to his 2024 presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump has once again garnered the endorsement of the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the largest national police union in the United States. The FOP represents approximately 378,000 law enforcement officers across the country, making this endorsement a critical win for Trump as he seeks to solidify support from organized labor—an area where Republicans typically face challenges.
FOP National President Patrick Yoes highlighted the importance of public safety and border security in the upcoming election, stating that these issues were paramount in the union’s decision to endorse Trump. “Our members carefully considered the positions of the candidates, and there was no doubt—zero doubt—as to who they want as our President for the next four years: Donald J. Trump,” Yoes said in a press release.
The FOP’s endorsement process is unique in that it allows all of its members, through its 46 state lodges, to make their preferences known. The process requires a two-thirds majority from state lodges for a candidate to receive the endorsement, a benchmark that Trump easily surpassed. According to the FOP, Trump’s strong record of supporting law enforcement during his first term played a significant role in securing the union’s backing.
Yoes recalled Trump’s unwavering support during the summer of 2020, a period of heightened tension between law enforcement and the public amid calls to “defund the police.” “He stood with us when very few would. With his help, we defeated the ‘defund the police’ movement, and now, we are seeing crime rates decrease,” Yoes added. The FOP president emphasized that re-electing Trump is key to maintaining those lower crime rates.
The FOP compared both 2024 candidates, reviewing President Trump’s answers to their questionnaire as well as a letter from the Harris-Walz campaign outlining their criminal justice and police labor policies. While Trump met personally with the FOP committee, the Harris-Walz campaign did not grant a similar meeting. This information was shared with the union’s membership, which then made the final decision to endorse Trump.
“As the nation’s oldest and largest law enforcement labor organization, the FOP’s presidential endorsement is highly sought after by candidates,” Yoes said. He stressed the union’s role in shaping the direction of the country, stating that the FOP has a responsibility not only to its members but also to the 700,000 law enforcement officers in the U.S. and the communities they serve.
The FOP has a history of endorsing candidates from both political parties, including George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and John McCain. However, Trump has consistently earned the union’s endorsement in both 2016 and 2020, and now again in 2024. Yoes pointed out that Trump’s leadership during tough times and his strong stance on law enforcement and public safety made him the clear choice for a second term.
In addition to the FOP’s endorsement, Trump has also attracted support from a diverse group of public figures, including former Democrat and Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, and even Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, with whom Trump has previously had a contentious relationship.
Trump’s ability to secure these endorsements from various political figures and organizations demonstrates his broad appeal as he campaigns for a return to the White House. With public safety expected to remain a central issue in the 2024 election, the backing of the National Fraternal Order of Police could prove crucial in swaying key voters.