The International Union of Police(IUPA) Associations Endorses Trump for 2024

President Donald Trump is working to undermine Democratic front runner Joe Biden’s organized labor support in key swing states as part of an attempt to unseat him in 2016. On Wednesday he met with Teamsters leaders and members in order to assess potential turnout strategies in battleground elections.

They are expected to back Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the Democratic primary race, both having shown strong support for law enforcement and opposing efforts that restrict workers’ ability to organize.

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IUPA Endorses President Trump

As Iowa caucuses near, President Trump continues to secure endorsements with just one week left until voting begins, most recently from the International Union of Police Associations (IUPA). On Tuesday, its executive board of directors unanimously endorsed Trump according to IUPA President Sam Cabral in a statement released by IUPA President Sam Cabral – reflecting Trump’s campaign’s emphasis on law enforcement support ahead of an election where many Americans view crime as their main issue.

This move also underscores Donald Trump’s meticulous endorsement strategy, implemented early into his race and led by veteran political strategist Brian Jack. A senior advisor on both of his presidential campaigns (2016 and 2020), Jack has long been at the center of persuading Republican lawmakers and governors to endorse Trump.

Team Trump is well aware that the more endorsements they can secure before Iowa, the stronger their operation will appear. This has created an urgency among GOP legislators and governors who may still be undecided on endorsing Trump. Without timely action now they may face pressure to endorse later or risk losing their seat to another candidate.

Trump has not only used Hill surrogates to secure more endorsements for himself, but he has been personally reaching out to lawmakers directly as well, according to sources familiar with his efforts, in order to urge them to join his campaign and support him directly, according to CNN sources familiar with these efforts. Trump appears particularly focused on convincing those who have endorsed other candidates but have yet to support Trump as an alternative candidate.

Zachary Carter, an attorney and former city corporation counsel who works with the NYPD, believes that union support for Donald Trump is shortsighted. According to him, their endorsement compromises efforts by police departments to rebuild trust with communities they serve – even though police departments aren’t necessarily seen as being bad guys in certain neighborhoods. Carter asserts: “Police aren’t adversaries but do often have negative connotations in certain quarters.”

IUPA President Sam Cabral Endorses President Trump

IUPA President Sam Cabral issued a statement applauding President Trump, noting his accomplishments on behalf of law enforcement and taking measures to address issues facing those wearing blue uniforms. Polls show crime has become one of the top issues for voters. Cabral noted in his remarks that President Trump had done more for law enforcement than his predecessor and taken measures to address issues facing men and women wearing blue.

As per Cabral’s statement, Trump took steps to improve law enforcement by instructing Attorney General William Barr to develop a plan to more aggressively prosecute criminals who attack officers, as well as reinstate capital punishment after its two-year hiatus. Trump also signed an order reinstating a program providing law enforcement agencies with lifesaving surplus military equipment.

Cabral reports that the IUPA board unanimously voted to endorse President Trump for 2024, and is convinced he “deserves and deserves the unconditional support” of their executive board. This could pave the way for an endorsement by America’s largest police union, the Fraternal Order of Police.

IUPA’s endorsement of Donald Trump comes at a critical juncture for Republicans: they must defend seats in both houses this fall. Trump is already leading this effort and boasts 234 notable endorsements from congressional representatives, senators and governors far more than his last remaining rival, Nikki Haley.

While IUPA remains supportive, its relationship with the Law Enforcement Officers Relief Fund has come under intense scrutiny. A Center for Public Integrity investigation revealed that only about 25 percent of money raised by LEORF actually goes toward helping police officers and their families. LEORF shares its office in Sarasota with IUPA; both groups share management. Florida law mandates nonprofits file regular financial statements detailing expenses such as fundraising and administration; however, DACS, which oversees charities, has stated it won’t investigate either group.