By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby issue the following directive:
Section 1. Purpose and Policy
Safe communities depend heavily on a robust and skilled police force. My Administration is unwavering in its commitment to bolster State and local law enforcement, enabling them to combat serious criminal activities while safeguarding innocent citizens. When local leaders undermine law enforcement, fashioning legal and political restraints that incapacitate effective policing, crime flourishes, and it is the law-abiding citizens and small business owners who bear the brunt. Therefore, my Administration will:
- Establish best practices at the State and local levels to empower high-impact policing.
- Support law enforcement officers who are unjustly accused or mistreated by local or State officials.
- Allocate additional resources to officers in need.
We will aim to ensure that law enforcement across America prioritizes crime reduction over pursuing misguided equity policies based on race and gender. The outcome will be a society where diligent law enforcement protects the innocent, law violations are met with zero tolerance, and communities can once again be enjoyed safely by all.
Sec. 2. Legal Defense of Law Enforcement Officers
The Attorney General shall undertake all necessary actions to establish a framework that provides legal resources and indemnification for law enforcement officers who incur unjust expenses and liabilities while fulfilling their duties. This framework will also include private-sector pro bono assistance for these officers.
Sec. 3. Empowering State and Local Law Enforcement
(a) The Attorney General and relevant heads of executive departments will take necessary actions to optimize Federal resources to:
- Introduce new best practices for aggressive policing against crime.
- Enhance access to and quality of training for State and local law enforcement.
- Increase compensation and benefits for law enforcement personnel.
- Strengthen legal protections for officers.
- Seek harsher penalties for crimes directed at law enforcement personnel.
- Support investments in prison security and capacity.
- Boost investment in the collection, distribution, and standardization of crime data across jurisdictions.
(b) Within 60 days of this order, the Attorney General shall review all existing Federal consent decrees and agreements involving State or local law enforcement agencies, modifying or rescinding those that hinder law enforcement effectiveness.
Sec. 4. Using National Security Assets for Law and Order
(a) Within 90 days of this order, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, will enhance the provision of surplus military and national security resources to local law enforcement.
(b) Additionally, the Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Attorney General, will assess how military and national security resources, training, non-lethal capabilities, and personnel can be effectively utilized in crime prevention.
Sec. 5. Holding State and Local Officials Accountable
The Attorney General shall pursue all necessary legal remedies to uphold the rights of Americans affected by crime and prioritize the prosecution of any Federal criminal law violations involving State and local officials who:
- Willfully obstruct the enforcement of criminal law, including unlawfully preventing law enforcement officers from performing essential public safety duties.
- Engage in unlawful discrimination or civil rights violations under the pretext of “diversity, equity, and inclusion” initiatives that hinder law enforcement or jeopardize citizen safety.
Sec. 6. Use of Homeland Security Task Forces
The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security are directed to utilize the Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs), established under Executive Order 14159 dated January 20, 2025, to coordinate and advance the goals outlined in this order.
Sec. 7. General Provisions
(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or affect:
- Any authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or to its head;
- The functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget concerning budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented in accordance with applicable laws and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order does not create any enforceable rights or benefits, substantive or procedural, against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officials, employees, or agents, or any other individual.
(d) The Department of Justice will allocate funds for the publication of this order in the Federal Register.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
April 28, 2025.
