BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
As we observe Peace Officers Memorial Day during our Nation’s traditional Police Week, we honor the law enforcement officers dedicated to protecting our communities. We express our gratitude by remembering the fallen officers who sacrificed their lives for their fellow citizens and stand by the families they left behind. We also acknowledge those injured in the line of duty and the families who have supported them through challenges and recovery, pledging our unwavering support to all who continue to serve.
Before my tenure, America faced a wave of lawlessness driven by left-wing policies, threatening our society’s foundation. Policies perceived as lenient on crime, along with unchecked illegal immigration and cashless bail programs, led to an unprecedented rise in crime, causing suffering for American families and chaos in our cities. Despite these challenges, officers on the front lines remained committed to their duty to protect the innocent, often facing obstacles and penalties for fulfilling their sworn mission.
Upon returning to office, I acted on my promise to restore law and order across the nation. Federal resources were deployed to our most crime-affected cities to support local law enforcement, working closely with them in their essential mission. We also took steps to dismantle “sanctuary state” laws associated with the Biden-Harris administration, which had dire consequences for innocent Americans and law enforcement officers who witnessed criminal illegal aliens being released to commit preventable crimes. By removing these barriers, we enabled police officers to perform their duties effectively, resulting in record-low crime rates in our Nation’s capital and restored peace in many historic American cities. Currently, on-duty law enforcement officer deaths have reached an 80-year low, with significant reductions in various crimes and fatalities.
Last summer, I signed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, eliminating taxes on overtime pay, allowing police officers to retain more of their earnings as they diligently work to ensure community safety. Additionally, I signed an Executive Order to end cashless bail within the Federal justice system for offenses posing clear public safety threats. Under my leadership, repeat offenders will no longer threaten our citizens, and I remain committed to ensuring that violent criminals are incarcerated, law enforcement has the resources they need, and American families can live in peace and safety nationwide.
On this Peace Officers Memorial Day, we solemnly remember the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. During Police Week, we honor the sacrifices of our law enforcement community and their families. United in gratitude, we renew our commitment to supporting those who maintain peace in our neighborhoods and express our heartfelt appreciation for their service to the community and country. Their steadfast presence ensures orderly streets, enabling our Nation to prosper, and their vigilance provides families across America with the assurance of a safer future.
A joint resolution approved on October 1, 1962, as amended (Public Law 87-726, 76 Stat. 676), along with Public Law 105-225 (36 U.S.C. 136-137), authorizes the President to designate May 15 as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week it falls within as “Police Week.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, proclaim May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 10 through May 16, 2026, as Police Week. I urge all Americans to observe this week with suitable ceremonies and activities. I also call upon the Governors of the States and Territories and other officials under U.S. jurisdiction to order the flag flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand this eleventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
