Former President Donald Trump speaks in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Biden's border policy, flanked by members of law enforcement, as well as Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.) and former Michigan U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers on April 2, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)
Former President Donald Trump on Friday traveled to North Carolina to address police and accept the endorsement of the largest law enforcement union in the U.S.
Speaking at a meeting of the Fraternal Order of Police in Charlotte, Trump pledged to “back the blue” while railing against Vice President Kamala Harris’ record on criminal justice.
“We might over-fund the police,” Trump said.
In May, Trump was convicted of 34 felonies in a New York hush money trial tied to the 2016 election and he faces dozens of charges in other cases.
And with early voting in North Carolina about to get underway , he urged officers to “watch for voter fraud.” (There has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud in presidential elections, in North Carolina or elsewhere, despite Trump’s claims.)
“I hope you watch for voter fraud,” Trump said. “It starts early. It starts in a week. …. Believe it or not, they’re afraid of that badge. They’re afraid of you people. I hope you can watch.”
The former president criticized law enforcement action taken against him in front of the crowd of officers — calling the ongoing Manhattan trial against him a “DA witch hunt” and an “attack by my political opponent.”
Trump also said he was calling for “a strong death penalty for anyone who kills a police officer,” which garnered cheers from the crowd.
Trump on RFK Jr.’s removal from NC ballots: ‘A big thing’
Trump also commented on news earlier Friday that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s name would be removed from North Carolina ballots .
Counties were to begin mailing absentee ballots Friday with Kennedy on them, but the Appeals Court order now prevents it. He dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump last month.
“It means all of those who love Bobby, and there’s a lot of them … they vote for me,” Trump said. “All the Bobby people are going to vote for me, and I appreciate the decision.”
The Michigan Court of Appeals on Friday also ruled that Kennedy had to appear on the ballot. The secretary of state is appealing to the Michigan Supreme Court.
Durham sheriff blasts Trump ahead of speech to police
Harris’ campaign, which has aimed to position the race as a prosecutor vs. a convicted felon, offered criticism from officers ahead of Trump’s remarks Friday.
Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead said in a call with reporters that the former president “can’t be trusted to deliver on his promises” to law enforcement.
“He would waste precious time and money on his personal grievances instead of pouring valuable resources into communities like mine that rely on our federal partners,” Birkhead said.
Birkhead was also joined by Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer who was present at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and has been outspoken against Trump since.
“He doesn’t care that he put my life and the lives of my fellow Capitol Police officers in danger on Jan. 6,” Dunn said. “He only cares about getting power for himself.”
Michigan Advance Editor Susan J. Demas contributed to this story.
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