Police Support Fuels Trump’s Reelection Amid Challenges in Law Enforcement
Law enforcement played a key role in President Donald Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign, with the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) endorsing him for a third consecutive time. Trump assured officers he would “always back the blue,” a pledge that resonated with many in law enforcement.
In an interview with Newsmax following the election, FOP Vice President Joe Gamaldi described Trump’s win as a signal from voters fed up with societal unrest. “People are tired of the chaos and disorder in our streets, tired of the ‘defund the police’ rhetoric, and tired of the nonsense,” he said.
While the “defund the police” movement has largely faded in recent years, police departments face new challenges, including difficulties recruiting and retaining officers, despite increased funding. According to Ronal Serpas, a former police chief and Council on Criminal Justice member, morale within police forces remains a significant hurdle.
“Trump’s clear support for policing in a strong, vocal manner helps boost morale,” Serpas said. “While President Biden also supported law enforcement, it didn’t resonate as strongly with many officers.”
However, Trump’s rhetoric about law enforcement sometimes stirs controversy. During a campaign rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, he suggested a tougher approach to policing, stating, “If [officers] have to be extraordinarily rough… one rough hour, and the word will get out.”
This type of language raises concerns for leaders like Col. Jeffrey Glover, head of the Arizona Department of Public Safety and president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. “Comments like that undermine efforts to build trust between police and communities,” Glover said.
Trump has also hinted at policy changes, such as increased legal immunity for officers, though experts like UCLA law professor Joanna Schwartz question whether such promises are feasible. “The federal government doesn’t have the constitutional authority to override local prosecutors’ decisions to press criminal charges,” Schwartz noted. “However, Trump could use federal grants to incentivize certain policies, like greater immunity or more aggressive policing tactics.”
Another area of potential change is the Justice Department’s approach to police reform. During Trump’s first term, the department halted the use of consent decrees, court-monitored reform plans aimed at improving police departments. While the Biden administration revived consent decrees, progress has been slow. Laurie Robinson, a former co-chair of President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, doubts Trump could undo recent advances in policing practices.
“Progress in areas like de-escalation training, diverse hiring, and community relations won’t reverse,” Robinson said.
Retired police chief Darrel Stephens echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that reforms continue regardless of federal oversight. “Even during Trump’s first administration, agencies didn’t stop implementing needed changes,” Stephens said. “While some officers may applaud Trump’s rhetoric, they know their accountability lies with their local departments, not the President.”
As Trump begins his second term, his promises to law enforcement will likely shape national conversations about policing, but their practical impact remains to be seen. For many officers and leaders, the focus will stay on addressing challenges like recruitment, retention, and building community trust.
