Donald Trump nabbed a major endorsement on Friday from the National Fraternal Order of Police, a union representing more than 330,000 law enforcement officers nationwide.
In a statement posted to Twitter, FOP President Chuck Canterbury described the current presidential election as “unusual” given Trump’s lack of experience serving in public office and Hillary Clinton’s decision not to seek the union’s endorsement.
“Mr. Trump, however, has seriously looked at the issues facing law enforcement today. He understands and supports our priorities and our members believe he will make America safe again.”
To receive the group’s endorsement, Trump had to receive majority support from two-thirds of the FOP’s National Board. The Republican presidential nominee met with Canterbury and other organization officials at his Manhattan skyscraper in early August, and later held a Q&A with local members of the group in Akron, Ohio.
“He took time off the campaign trail and met with us to talk about our issues, our priorities,” Canterbury noted. “He’s made a real commitment to America’s law enforcement and we’re proud to make a commitment to him and his campaign by endorsing his candidacy today.”
He continued, “Donald Trump may not have ever been elected to public safety, but he is a proven leader and that’s what we need for the next four years — a leader unafraid to make tough choices and see them through.”
FOP officials declined to endorse Mitt Romney or President Obama in 2012 after endorsing former GOP nominee John McCain in 2008. A spokeswoman for the Trump campaign could not be reached for comment.
