WASHINGTON — Six months into his second term, President Donald Trump has made law enforcement a focus of his agenda — using executive orders, federal interventions and agency expansions to carry out what the White House calls a “law and order” approach.
While supporters say the moves empower police and improve public safety, critics contend they represent federal overreach and risk undermining local control.
Below is a timeline outlining changes to program operations, staffing and funding. Police1 will update this content as new, verified information becomes available. To share updates, please email the editor. Use the links below to navigate between sections.
🟦 Jan. 6 pardons and commutations
Jan. 20 – Pardons and commutations issued
Trump issued pardons and commutations for individuals charged or convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, calling them “political prisoners” and pledging to “restore justice.”
The move drew sharp criticism from many in the law enforcement community, with some calling it a betrayal of officers who defended the Capitol that day.
🟦 Capital punishment directive
Jan. 20 – Executive order on capital punishment signed
On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order directing the Attorney General to pursue the death penalty “for all crimes of a severity demanding its use,” including every federal capital case involving the murder of a law enforcement officer or a capital crime committed by someone in the U.S. illegally.
The order also calls on federal prosecutors to encourage state attorneys general and district attorneys to bring capital charges in those cases, even if a federal trial does not result in a death sentence.
The directive reverses the Biden-era moratorium on federal executions and instructs the Department of Justice to take “all appropriate action” to ensure capital punishment laws are enforced.
🟦 Immigration enforcement expansion
April 28 – Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement executive order signed
Trump directed agencies to maximize immigration enforcement, remove obstacles for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and increase penalties for crimes against police officers.
July 29 – Five-year immigration enforcement plan
The administration launched a $170 billion, five-year immigration enforcement plan, including:
- Hiring 10,000 new ICE staff with signing bonuses of up to $50,000
- Removing the age cap for new recruits, allowing applicants as young as 18 and with no upper limit
- Expanding detention capacity by $45 billion over five years
Aug. 1 – Sheriffs criticize ICE recruitment tactics
Several sheriffs — including Polk County, Florida, Sheriff Grady Judd — criticized ICE for sending recruitment emails to deputies in agencies that participate in the federal 287(g) program, which allows local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions.
“We’re their force multipliers, and this is the thanks we get helping them do their job?” Judd said, calling on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to apologize.The National Sheriffs’ Association warned that such recruiting could erode long-standing partnerships. “We’re all in the same boat,” Executive Director Jonathan Thompson said. “You just don’t treat friends or partners like this.”
Not all leaders opposed the effort. Sheriffs from smaller jurisdictions, such as Terrell County and Goliad County in Texas, expressed support, citing their inability to compete with federal salaries.
🟦 Federal control of D.C. police
Aug. 11 – MPD placed under federal oversight
Trump placed the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under federal control, citing violent crime near federal facilities and invoking Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act — a rarely used provision that allows such action in emergencies.
Attorney General Pam Bondi now oversees MPD, with DEA Administrator Terry Cole serving as interim commissioner. The administration is pushing to:
- Eliminate no cash bail in the district
- Expand the ability to prosecute juveniles as young as 14 as adults
- Deploy the National Guard and deputized federal agents for patrol duties
City officials point to data showing most crime categories are down except vehicle thefts, while the White House cites high robbery and homicide rates. Police1 Columnist Donald J. Mihalek noted that “perception is reality” in public safety — and visible disorder often drives calls for action.
🟦 National Guard deployment in Los Angeles
June 7 – Troops and Marines deployed
The Pentagon deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles during riots over immigration enforcement. About half were withdrawn after a 60-day deployment, with the Pentagon crediting the troops’ presence for reducing “lawlessness.”
The Pentagon credited the troops’ presence for reducing “lawlessness.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who opposed the deployment, is challenging it in court, arguing it violated the Posse Comitatus Act. A ruling on the case is expected later this year.
🟦 Sanctuary jurisdictions list
Aug. 5 – DOJ releases updated list
The Justice Department released a new list of 36 states, cities and counties it considers sanctuary jurisdictions — a smaller, more targeted list than an earlier version that was withdrawn following criticism. Bondi said the department would continue to pursue litigation to “eradicate these harmful policies.”
🟦 Drone deployment and public safety technology
June 6 – Executive order on BVLOS drone operations issued
Trump issued an executive order directing the Federal Aviation Administration to accelerate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations, framing it as both a public safety tool and a way to boost U.S. leadership in drone technology.
Aug. 5 – BVLOS rule proposed
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a proposed BVLOS rule that would eliminate the requirement for waivers or exemptions for flights extending beyond the operator’s direct line of sight — a restriction that has long limited commercial and public safety drone use.
Officials say the rule could expand applications in public safety, agriculture, infrastructure inspection and package delivery. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford called it “essential to unlocking the full societal and economic benefits of drones.”
🟦 Law enforcement voices on Trump’s priorities
June – Police1 poll
In a recent Police1 poll, law enforcement officers shared a range of views on Trump’s agenda:
- “Resign. His pardon of January 6 insurrectionists who assaulted officers is a slap in the face to the entire profession.”
- “I am very happy with what he has done so far! Keep law and order going — and work on tax breaks for law enforcement.”
- “Deport on a tiered system. Prioritize violent offenders in custody before going after otherwise law-abiding immigrants.”
- “Hold judges and prosecutors accountable for releasing violent offenders back onto the streets.”
- “Get rid of sanctuary cities.”
Police1’s poll of more than 5,500 respondents underscores how divided law enforcement professionals are on Trump’s performance at the six-month mark:
- 36% rated his first six months as “Excellent”
- 11% rated “Good”
- 4% rated “Average”
- 7% rated “Poor”
- 43% gave him a “Failing” grade
🟦 Looking ahead
Trump has suggested the D.C. federal intervention could serve as a model for other cities, naming Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Oakland as potential next targets. Supporters say these measures show decisive leadership in backing police. Opponents argue they sideline local authority and risk politicizing law enforcement.
At the same time, members of Congress are considering bipartisan legislation aimed at boosting police recruitment nationwide. The proposed Pathways to Policing Act (H.R. 3408) would authorize $100 million annually from 2026 through 2030 — $50 million in competitive hiring and training grants for state, local and tribal agencies, and $50 million for a nationwide DOJ-led recruitment campaign.
The initiative focuses on attracting applicants from nontraditional backgrounds and updating outreach strategies. Supporters say it could help address staffing deficits, which average nearly 10% nationwide.
“We simply can’t continue to recruit the way we did 20, 30 years ago,” Hennepin County, Minnesota, Sheriff Dawanna Witt said.
Do you believe President Trump’s law enforcement policies are making communities safer?
Police1 readers respond
- Yes, they are making communities safer. They are also providing more resources for law enforcement growth and safety. He has had our backs since the beginning.
- Not in rural america, we need more money to hire LEOs. Federal money should be given to rural America to help hire more officers. We are failing with drugs, illegal immigration and basic crime since we are so shorthanded.
