The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) announced Wednesday it is endorsing President Trump re-election campaign, citing his “steadfast and very public support” during a “time of unfair and inaccurate opprobrium being directed” at law enforcement officers.
“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,” NAPO said in its endorsement letter. “NAPO is pleased to support your re-election campaign for president, and we are confident of your continued strong support of America’s law enforcement community.”
NAPO also praised Trump for directing Attorney General Bill Barr to “aggressively prosecute those who attack our officers” and cited the president’s legislation backing law enforcement, including the “Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act,” permanently authorizing funds to support 9/11 first responders and their families, and revitalization the “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program.
The President of NAPO Mick McHale told Fox News Wednesday evening after news broke that Trump earned the endorsement with a “greater margin” from two-thirds of their member who participated in a virtual meeting.
“Trump earned that endorsement with a greater margin of the two-thirds that participated in today’s meeting,” McHale told ‘Fox News @ Night’ host Shannon Bream. “So, it’s with great pride that I announce on behalf of our National Association of Police Organizations, our endorsement of President Donald J. Trump.”
“So, we’re excited in anticipation of the president’s announcement,” McHale added. “And we anticipate and hopefully have another four years.”
The Trump campaign lauded the endorsement, highlighting that Trump is the “Law and Order President.”
“President Trump fights everyday day for the cops that keep us safe,” Trump 2020 senior adviser for law enforcement and labor unions Bob Paduchik said in a statement. “This endorsement for President Trump highlights that as the Law and Order President, he is defending the hardworking people who risk their own lives every day to keep our communities safe.”
They also cited presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden for remain silent and doing nothing to stop the verbal and physical attacks on police officers.
“Joe Biden has done nothing to stop his party’s ‘defund the police’ movement and remains silent as police officers across the country are being attacked by violent rioters and protesters
The Trump campaign launched an ad early Wednesday prior to the endorsement linking Biden with “Defund The Police” movement, warning voters that “you won’t be safe in Joe Biden’s America.”
Trump thanked the organization in a tweet late Wednesday.
“I will ALWAYS back the men and women in blue, and never let you down,” Trump tweeted. “LAW AND ORDER will prevail!”
NAPO represents more than 1,000 police associations and 241,000 sworn officers. NAPO previously endorsed the Obama-Biden presidential ticket in both 2008 and 2012. In the 2016 election, the association didn’t back a candidate.
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