Trump Signs Order ‘Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement’
The executive order directs the attorney general to “maximize the use of federal resources,” including “military and national security assets,” to “aggressively police crime.”
Published by The Lawfare Institute
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On April 28, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement to Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens.” The first section lays out the purpose of the order, which purports to prosecute state and local authorities who impede law enforcement objectives, use federal resources—including military assets—to support state and local law enforcement, and more.
Section 2 of the order states that law enforcement officers “who unjustly incur expenses and liabilities” while carrying out official duties will receive legal support, including “private-sector pro bono assistance,” through a mechanism created by the attorney general.
Section 3 of the order directs the attorney general and appropriate heads of executive departments and agencies to “maximize the use of federal resources” to “provide new best practices to State and local law enforcement to aggressively police communities against all crimes,” expand protections for law enforcement officers, enhance sentences for crimes against officers, and more. It also addresses federal oversight of law enforcement and orders the attorney general to “review all ongoing federal consent decrees, out-of-court agreements, and post-judgment orders to which a state or local law enforcement agency is a party and modify, rescind, or move to conclude such measures that unduly impede the performance of law enforcement functions.”
Section 4 directs the attorney general, the secretary of defense, the secretary of homeland security, and other heads of appropriate agencies to assess how to use “military and national security assets” including “training, non-lethal capabilities, and personnel” to prevent crime.
Section 5 of the order directs law enforcement to prosecute state and local authorities who prohibit officers from undertaking “duties necessary for public safety and law enforcement” or who engage in “diversity, equity, and inclusion” initiatives.
According to Section 6 of the order, Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs) formed by Executive Order 14159 will “coordinate and advance the objectives” of this order.
You can read the order here or below:
