The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the nation’s largest police union, announced it is endorsing President Trump
Donald John TrumpTrump: New York won't receive COVID-19 vaccine immediately Biden considering Yellen as possible Treasury secretary: report Trump puts Giuliani in charge of election lawsuits: report MORE on Friday and praised him for his calls for law and order.
“Public safety will undoubtedly be a main focus for voters in this year’s election,” FOP President Patrick Yoes said in a statement. “Look at what the national discourse has focused on for the last six months. President Trump has shown time after time that he supports our law enforcement officers and understands the issues our members face every day.”
Trump has made law and order and support for the police a main focus of his reelection campaign amid protests nationwide over police brutality and racial injustice. The FOP said it sent a questionnaire to both Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden
Joe BidenTrump: New York won't receive COVID-19 vaccine immediately Biden considering Yellen as possible Treasury secretary: report Obama hits Trump for refusing to concede, says there's 'no legal basis' for challenges MORE and received responses from both campaigns in mid-July.
“The FOP is proud to endorse a candidate who calls for law and order across our nation. He has the full and enthusiastic support of the FOP,” Yoes said.
The union, which has over 355,000 members, endorsed Trump in 2016 and claimed former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton
Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonObama hits Trump for refusing to concede, says there's 'no legal basis' for challenges Overnight Defense: Another Defense official resigns | Pentagon chief says military 'remains strong' despite purge | Top contender for Biden DOD secretary would be historic pick Biden's win is not a policy mandate — he should govern accordingly MORE snubbed them by not seeking their endorsement.
The union said they distributed Trump and Biden’s questionnaire responses to its members and canvassed them in order to make a decision.
“During his first four years, President Trump has made it crystal clear that he has our backs,” Yoes said. “Our members know that he listens to the concerns of our brothers and sisters in uniform and is able to make tough decisions on the issues most important to law enforcement. President Trump is committed to keeping our communities and families safe.”
In 2012, the group didn’t endorsement a candidate for president and in 2008, 2004, and 2000 it backed the Republican nominees — the late Sen. John McCain
John Sidney McCainMcSally concedes Arizona Senate race Meghan McCain shares meme of her father after networks call Arizona for Biden Obama memoir: Palin VP pick took GOP in direction McCain 'abhorred' MORE (R-Ariz.) and President George W. Bush. In 1996, it endorsed President Clinton.
