Former President Donald Trump is returning to Charlotte next week to address the Fraternal Order of Police’s National Board of Trustees.
Patrick Yoes, the organization’s national president, announced Friday afternoon that Trump accepted an invitation to address the board.
“President Trump led our nation admirably through some very tough times,” Yoes said. “He provided our nation with strong, effective leadership during his first term, and now that he is seeking election to a second term, we think it’s important to have him join us to talk about all of the issues facing our profession.”
Next week’s visit marks Trump’s fourth visit to North Carolina since President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign on July 21.
Since then, Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democrats’ presidential nominee, tightened the race in North Carolina against Trump, often leading in the polls, and has turned the state from one that analysts said leaned Republican to one that is seen as a toss-up.
On Thursday, during Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s first campaign visit to the Tar Heel State, Harris’ running mate said Trump can’t win back the White House if he doesn’t win North Carolina.
Trump had largely ignored the state prior to Harris’ run. He didn’t have to pay attention to it; he led in nearly every poll out of North Carolina.
He had made a few campaign stops throughout the year, but that paled in comparison to the Biden-Harris campaign, who sent the candidates and their surrogates on a near-weekly basis.
Now, Trump has visited Charlotte, Asheville and Asheboro in a matter of weeks.
“We are eager to see President Trump again after meeting with him at Mar-A-Lago earlier this year,” Yoes said. “He was a great friend to the FOP while President and we look forward to hearing from him — and having him hear from us — on the issues important to the rank-and-file officers the FOP represents.”
The organization has a seven-member executive board and a national trustee from each of its 46 state lodges.
It also includes members from several law enforcement agencies in Washington, including Capitol Police.
Trump is facing charges out of Washington for obstructing Congress’ certification of Biden as president on Jan. 6, 2021. A riot at the U.S. Capitol ensued after Trump told his supporters to march to the Capitol. The insurrection left 174 police officers injured, and left five dead, four by suicide.
FOP endorsed Trump in 2020, but has not yet offered him an endorsement in the 2024 race. A decision on who FOP plans to endorse is expected on Sept. 6 during their meetings.
The fall meeting is scheduled from Sept. 4-8. It’s not clear which day Trump plans to attend.