On Monday, President Donald Trump honored Peace Officer’s Day, criticizing former President Joe Biden’s policies on crime that, he argued, have negatively impacted American citizens.
In a declaration for Police Week shared on the White House website, Trump expressed gratitude for the courageous officers who “protect our families and communities,” stating that they carry a significant responsibility that many Americans may not fully appreciate.
“Throughout this week and beyond, we recognize the dedicated men and women of law enforcement and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” he remarked.
Trump then took aim at the Biden administration’s handling of crime across the nation.
“This country of chaos threatens to undermine our freedom. Previous administrations have allowed lawlessness to seep in, making it tougher for law enforcement to do their jobs. Their lenient crime policies have emboldened criminals, fostering fear and eroding the trust people have in public safety,” he asserted.
According to a 2022 report from Breitbart News, police fatalities surged during Biden’s first year in office, as noted by FBI Director Christopher Wray.
In the same year, Fox News highlighted that the number of police officers killed had increased under Biden’s watch compared to levels not seen since 1995.
Simultaneously, contributors to CNN found through an IPSOS poll that many Americans perceived Trump’s crime-related actions to be more effective than Biden’s, as reported by Breitbart on May 6.
In February 2024, Biden claimed, “Our plan is working.” Yet, he later suggested in an interview that the focus should be on increasing social workers rather than police, although he also called for an additional 100,000 community police officers to foster collaboration with social services.
In his Monday declaration, Trump stated:
“As your 47th President, I am committed to making America safe again by restoring border sovereignty and the rule of law. We will support law enforcement agencies by ensuring they have the training and resources they need, and that hiring is based on merit.”
Additionally, Trump announced his request for Congress to solidify an executive order mandating the death penalty for those who murder police officers, along with enhanced protections and new crime legislation. He stressed that such actions send a robust message against violence and neglect toward law enforcement.
Peace Officers Memorial Day is set for May 15, 2025, with Police Week taking place from May 11 to 15.
“I invite all Americans to observe this week with suitable ceremonies and actions,” he noted. “I also urge governors and local officials to lower flags to half-mast in honor of Peace Officers’ Memorial Day,” he added.
