Former President Donald Trump received the endorsement of one of the most prominent law enforcement unions in the country this week. The news came as Trump plans to build on his historically strong relationship with law enforcement organizations, especially during a time of significantly higher crime.
The Florida PBA President John Kazanjian wrote in a letter that the former president was a crucial ally of law enforcement.
“It’s no secret that over the past four years, under the current administration, America has regressed,” the organization president wrote.
“Law enforcement officers are leaving their jobs in record numbers throughout this country, crime is rising in our major cities and over 8 million migrants have entered this country, putting a heavy and untenable strain on the ability of local municipalities to effectively maintain public safety and provide essential services to the citizens of this country,” the letter read.
Kazanjian wrote that the country was “again at a critical juncture” and that the election would “have a lasting impact on our nation for generations to come.”
“On behalf of the 30,000 members of Florida’s largest law enforcement union, the Florida PBA is proud to once again endorse you for president of the United States,” wrote the group’s president.
Moving forward, we will ask all of our 30,000 members, their friends and family, and all Floridians, who love and respect law enforcement, to cast their ballots in support of President Donald J. Trump. Together we'll make America great again. https://t.co/Nue6PowaLY
— Florida Police Benevolent Association (@FL_PBA) March 21, 2024
The PBA head also cited the Trump administration’s efforts “against the rising tide of the “defund the police” movement and other reckless attempts to reform policing, which would have compromised public safety throughout every community in this great nation.”
Trump received the support of the United Federation of Police Officers leadership for his 2024 campaign. Organization president Jerry Flynn appeared with Trump at a campaign event in New Hampshire, where he criticized President Joe Biden.
The Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA) announced its backing of the former president, representing about 30,000 members.
The group originally endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in the Republican primary before DeSantis exited and endorsed Trump.
The former president accumulated law enforcement endorsements during his last campaign, especially as crime dramatically increased during the 2020 George Floyd riots and their aftermath.
