Trump Signs Police Reform Executive Order...Criticism Arises Over 'Conservative Supporter Awareness'

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at preventing excessive use of force by the police. This came 22 days after George Floyd, a Black man, died due to aggressive police action on May 25. However, President Trump emphasized the necessity of law enforcement powers during the signing ceremony, seeking to appease his support base ahead of the November presidential election.

According to the Washington Post (WP) and others on the 16th (local time), the core of the police reform executive order signed by President Trump is the establishment of a database to track police officers who have been subject to complaints for excessive use of force. This reflects awareness that many officers, including Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis police officer who arrested Floyd, have used excessive force, but related records have not been made public, resulting in harm. Additionally, when police respond to non-violent calls involving mentally ill individuals, addicts, or homeless people, social workers will accompany them. Financial incentives will also be provided to support this. Furthermore, the chokehold technique, which was problematic at the time of Floyd’s death, will be banned except when the police officer’s life is in direct danger.

At a press conference held in the White House Rose Garden that day, President Trump said, "I have signed an executive order for the future safety and security of all Americans of every race, religion, skin color, and belief."

However, President Trump clearly opposed calls to cut police budgets. He stated, "Americans know that without police, there will be chaos. Without law, there will be anarchy, and without safety, there will be disaster." He added, "Reducing crime and setting standards are not conflicting goals and can be achieved together." He criticized protesters demanding police budget cuts as "radical and dangerous."

President Trump’s remarks are interpreted as an effort to avoid shaking his political base ahead of the November election. Notably, police officers attended the press conference instead of victims’ families, drawing attention. Although President Trump said he met with families of victims who lost their lives due to excessive police force just before the press conference, he did not directly address racial discrimination issues during the event. WP described the scene of the president surrounded by uniformed police officers and police union representatives as symbolic, explaining that it signaled he would not take risks that might anger the judicial authorities, a core part of his conservative political base.

Criticism also arose that President Trump’s executive order signing would not bring significant change. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of the Democratic Party pointed out that it would not address the comprehensive and bold changes demanded by Americans. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also expressed dissatisfaction, saying it was far below the level required to resolve racial inequality.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.