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President Donald Trump issued a proclamation designating May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 10-16 as National Police Week. The observance traces back to 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation establishing Peace Officers Memorial Day.
In the proclamation, Trump said the nation “stands resolutely beside the families” of officers killed in the line of duty and acknowledged officers injured while protecting their communities.
“After four years of Democrats’ war on police, President Trump has delivered decisive leadership that puts officers back in control — and the results are undeniable,” a White House news release stated.
“In 2025, the U.S. murder rate posted its largest single-year drop on record — plummeting to the lowest level in 125 years — with sharp declines across all violent crimes. Major cities saw massive homicide reductions, while rapes, robberies, assaults, shootings, officer deaths (an 80-year low), traffic fatalities, and overdoses all plunged. These historic gains are accelerating into 2026 — especially in cities like Washington, D.C., and Memphis, where President Trump deployed federal support to restore order and back local police,” the statement noted.
President Trump also marked National Police Week at the White House by honoring fallen officers, praising law enforcement personnel and highlighting his administration’s public safety agenda.
Speaking during a Rose Garden event on May 11, the president said Police Week serves as a time to recognize “the heroes who keep America safe” and remember officers who died in the line of duty.
“This week especially, our thoughts turn to the officers who gave their lives in the line of duty,” Trump said. “To all of the incredible police officers, sheriffs, deputies, law enforcement officers, all law enforcement, we want to thank you.”
During the ceremony, Trump recognized leaders from several federal law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Service, United States Secret Service, United States Park Police and the United States Department of Homeland Security.
He also recognized representatives from the Fraternal Order of Police, National Sheriffs’ Association, National Border Patrol Council and Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.
President Trump said his administration has prioritized reducing crime in Washington and credited the National Guard, federal agencies and local law enforcement partners for improving safety in the nation’s capital.
