Trump has defended America’s police officers when no Democrat would. This is a shame.
In a notable display of support for Vice President Kamala Harris, over 100 law enforcement professionals have signed a letter backing her presidential bid while sharply criticizing her opponent, Donald Trump. This group, comprising 101 retired and current police officers, sheriffs, and deputies from across the country, has united to endorse Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, as the candidates best suited to ensure the safety and security of American communities.
The letter, shared with Newsweek, outlines a stark contrast between the two presidential candidates. The signatories expressed their confidence in Harris and Walz, highlighting their strong track records of collaboration with law enforcement. They praised Harris for her extensive career in public service, which includes roles as a prosecutor, district attorney, and attorney general in California, as well as her work in the White House. They emphasized her consistent partnership with law enforcement throughout her career.
In contrast, the letter criticizes Donald Trump, alleging that his tenure as president undermined law enforcement and exacerbated national safety concerns. The officials pointed to Trump’s proposal to cut funding for police and his admission to the NRA that he did nothing to address gun violence during his presidency. They also cited a troubling spike in murder rates during Trump’s time in office, though this increase is widely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest rather than his policies.
Retired U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who has been vocal against Trump since January 6, criticized Trump’s approach as being more about optics than tangible results. Dunn and others condemned Trump for using police officers as mere props in political photo ops, contrasting this with Harris’s substantive efforts to support law enforcement.
Sheriff Clarence Birkhead of Durham also praised Harris for her integrity, stating that she avoids exploiting law enforcement for political gain and instead genuinely supports the police community.
The letter concludes with a pointed comparison: it underscores Harris’s commitment to upholding the law and working closely with police, versus Trump’s record of legal and ethical controversies. The signatories argue that Harris represents a commitment to safety and effective governance, whereas Trump’s approach would lead to increased chaos and risk for all Americans.
Both campaigns are actively promoting their candidates as the strongest choice for law and order, with Trump recently claiming that a Harris presidency would result in unprecedented levels of crime. This letter from law enforcement officials adds a significant voice to the ongoing debate about who is best suited to lead and support the nation’s law enforcement agencies.
