President Donald Trump signaled his continued support of law enforcement on Monday, promising to remain “tough” and “smart” on violent crime.
The president delivered a speech at the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention celebrating its 125th anniversary.
“We understand that reducing crime begins with respecting law enforcement,” Trump said during his speech. “For too many years, we have watched politicians escalate political attacks on our courageous police officers.”
Trump condemned leftists for inciting anti-police rhetoric, including Democrats who wanted to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
I’ve never seen it more than over the last few years. It’s disgraceful,” he said. “They also make it more dangerous for police, and it must stop, and it must stop now.”
Trump announced orders to Attorney General Jeff Sessions to help straighten out the increasing violence in Chicago, suggesting they use “stop and frisk” laws like Mayor Rudy Giuliani used in New York City to clean up the city in the 90s.
“It’s got to be properly applied, but stop and frisk works,” he said.
Trump also expressed support for police to obtain surplus military equipment, noting he was puzzled by the rush to condemn them.
“You have people shooting at you, and you have people complaining about your look,” he said with disbelief.
Trump thanked all law enforcement for helping enforce the law throughout the country.
“They see the worst of humanity and respond with the best of the American spirit,” he said.