President Trump's proclamation designates May 15, 2025, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 11-17, 2025, as Police Week.
The proclamation honors law enforcement officers, remembers those who died in the line of duty, and emphasizes a recommitment to support and protect officers.
The President calls upon Congress to further enhance protections for law enforcement agents and to impose harsher penalties for harming them, urging for stricter legislation in these areas.
The proclamation also reflects on a shift away from lawlessness and a return to the rule of law.
Arguments For
Honoring Fallen Officers: The proclamation acknowledges the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers, recognizing their dedication and the risks they face.
Supporting Law Enforcement: President Trump expresses support for law enforcement and promises to provide them with resources and training, promoting a safer society.
Strengthening Public Safety: The declaration aims to improve public safety by enhancing law enforcement's ability to fight crime and maintain order, creating more secure communities.
Legislative Action: The President calls upon Congress to strengthen penalties for crimes against law enforcement officers and enhance protections for them, demonstrating legislative support for the cause.
Historical Precedent: The proclamation follows established practice of designating Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week annually, building upon the existing federal observance.
Arguments Against
Potential for Polarization: The language of the proclamation about past administrations could be seen as divisive and inflammatory.
Limited Practical Impact: The proclamation is largely symbolic and may not necessarily lead to significant changes in resources or policies that enhance police officer safety.
Need for Comprehensive Solutions: A proclamation falls short of addressing the complex issues contributing to violence against law enforcement, the proclamation lacks the detailed policy solutions such a complex issue requires.
Focus on Punitive Measures: The emphasis on punishment may overshadow other necessary strategies such as community policing, improved training, and mental health support for officers.
Potential for Misinterpretation: The strong language used in the proclamation, particularly regarding past administration policies could be misinterpreted as partisan.
On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we honor our brave officers who serve on the front lines to protect our families, safeguard our communities, and shoulder a burden of responsibility that most Americans cannot fathom. This week and always, we honor the courageous men and women serving in law enforcement and memorialize those who sacrificed their lives defending the thin blue line. A nation in chaos ceases to be a citadel of liberty. Tragically, the previous administration allowed lawlessness to permeate our country, making it harder for our law enforcement officers to do their jobs. Their reckless, soft-on-crime policies emboldened criminals and thugs; wreaked havoc on the sanctity of our homes, businesses, and public spaces; instilled fear; and jeopardized public trust. As your 47th President, I am fulfilling my promise to make America safe again by reclaiming sovereignty on the border and restoring the rule of law in communities nationwide. We will utilize every available means to equip and train law enforcement, retain qualified officers, and recruit on the basis of meritocracy. The oath to serve and protect comes with extraordinary risk and sacrifice, and we are indebted to those who choose this righteous profession. That is why I have asked the Congress to codify my Executive Order mandating the death penalty for the murder of a police officer — sending an unequivocal message that barbaric acts of violence and blatant disregard for the lives of our Nation’s heroes will not be tolerated — and to pass a crime bill with enhanced protections for police officers. I stand in steadfast solidarity with those who defend our freedoms and the families who love and support them. We pray for those who grieve the fallen and pledge that their lives, legacies, and sacrifices will forever be remembered by our grateful Nation. By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (Public Law 87-726, 76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 105-225 (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week in which it falls as “Police Week.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2025, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 11 through May 17, 2025, as Police Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call on the Governors of the States and Territories and officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty‑five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
This section is a proclamation commemorating Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week.
It honors the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers.
The President expresses support for law enforcement and pledges to improve officers' safety.
The proclamation also criticizes previous administrative policies and emphasizes the need to restore law and order.
It concludes with a formal declaration designating the dates of the memorials and a call to citizens and governors for their observance of the days.
The proclamation also asserts a commitment to stricter penalties for violence against law enforcement officers and calls for stricter crime bills to strengthen officer protection.
DONALD J. TRUMP The post Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2025 appeared first on The White House.
This section provides the President's signature and indicates the original publication location of the proclamation on the White House website.