The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) is endorsing President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign.
The organization took to Twitter on Wednesday with the release of a letter written by NAPO President Michael McHale.
The letter — which was addressed to Trump — highlights and praises the president’s signed initiatives in favor of law enforcement, including the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act and “the revitalization of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.”
“We particularly value your directing the Attorney General to aggressively prosecute those who attack our officers,” McHale wrote.
See the full letter below:
NAPO has endorsed President Trump in his reelection campaign. Here is our endorsement letter which was issued following today's meeting. pic.twitter.com/mf6ZUTf10l
— NAPO (@NAPOpolice) July 15, 2020
Although NAPO did not endorse Trump in 2016, the organization did endorse President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections.
The decision to break from its past support of the Democratic Party likely comes amid heightened scrutiny of police departments across the United States. In the letter, McHale alluded to concern about the criticism of law enforcement.
“Our endorsement recognizes your steadfast and very public support for our men and women on the front lines, especially during this time of unfair and inaccurate opprobrium being directed at our members by so many.”
Following the death of George Floyd, protests erupted nationwide with calls to defund law enforcement. Incidents of police brutality have been magnified, resulting in increased calls for police reform.
In the wake of the protests, police unions across the country have pushed back to defend police officers, as previously reported on IJR.
Although Trump has repeatedly attempted to skewer the meaning of “defunding” the police, Democratic leaders — including House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) — have defended their intent with breakdowns detailing what the police reform bill calls for.
NAPO reportedly represents more than 1,000 police units and associations, along with approximately 241,000 police officers, nationwide.
