President Trump traveled to Quantico Virginia to deliver a speech to the FBI National Academy graduates. President Trump, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI Director Christopher Wray all delivered remarks to the graduating class and their families.
[POTUS Speech Begins @26:45 and Transcript Below]
.
Quantico, Virginia – 10:35 A.M. EST – THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Wow. (Applause.) Thank you very much, everybody. That’s a lot of years since the last President, and we’ll be back. (Laughter.) And thank you to Attorney General Sessions; thank you, Director Wray; Assistant Director Resch for hosting me here at the FBI National Academy to address our wonderful local police and sheriffs from all over America. A very special honor.
And it’s an honor to stand here today with the incredible men and women of law enforcement. Thank you. (Applause.)
We’re here to celebrate your graduation from the National Academy at Quantico. For over 80 years, this rigorous and world-renowned program has trained Americas most dedicated local law enforcement officers from all across the country. So respected. Let me begin by saying to each member of the graduating class: Congratulations.
You left home for 11 weeks to enroll in this program because you love your jobs, you love your communities, and you love your country.
Earlier this week, you completed the harrowing 6-mile Yellow Brick Road. Just signed that beautiful brick (Laughter.) I just signed that brick — designed for the Marines to push even the toughest to their limit.
You endured muddy waters, barbed-wire fences, icy creeks, steep hills, and so much more, knowing that your elite training will help save lives. The training you received at Quantico will give you that extra edge you need to defuse a threat, to disarm a criminal, and to deliver a child safely to her mothers arms.
I am here not only to congratulate you, but to honor you for your courage and for your devotion. And I want you to know that with me as your President, Americas police will have a true friend and loyal champion in the White House — more loyal than anyone else can be, I tell you. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you.
I also want to take a moment to speak to all of the law enforcement families here today. You make tremendous sacrifices. American families can sleep soundly at night because of the burden that you carry for all of us. So on behalf of all Americans, to every law enforcement family here today, and all across the nation: Thank you, thank you, thank you very much. (Applause.)
And you do that under the most difficult conditions. You very rarely get the recognition you deserve, I can tell you that. But your families know what you deserve, and ultimately, that’s the most important thing, isn’t it?
Its not a news story when our officers save a life, rescue a family, or stop a crime. Its just another day on the job. Yet, no matter the circumstances, you serve tirelessly, selflessly, and heroically. You do it because you really believe in doing your duty and doing it properly.
Being a police officer is not just a career, it’s a calling. And I’ve seen it. I have so many friends that are police officers — so many people in the FBI. These are great, great people. These are really heroes for all of us. So thank you very much. (Applause.) And as we, as a country, must do a better job showing our police officers the respect and gratitude that you have earned. And we will do that.
So when you return home to your local precincts, I want you to deliver a message to your fellow officers: The President of the United States has your back 100 percent. (Applause.) I will fight for you, and I will never, ever let you down — ever. Now, more than ever, we must support the men and women in blue.
In the last two years, America has seen a tragic rise in violent crime. In 2015 and 2016, we witnessed the steepest two-year consecutive increase in murders in nearly half a century.
And you look at what’s going on in Chicago. What the hell is going on in Chicago? (Laughter.) What the hell is happening there? (Applause.) For the second year in a row, a person was shot in Chicago every three hours. You don’t think these people in this room can stop that? They’d stop that. They’d stop it.
And just north of our nations capital, in Baltimore, on average, someone was murdered nearly every day of this year.
Police departments are overstretched, they’re underfunded, and they’re totally underappreciated — except by me. (Applause.) Instead of holding up our police as the role models and mentors they are, they have been subjected to malicious attacks on their character and integrity. This anti-police sentiment is wrong, and it’s dangerous, and we will not stand for it.
Most concerning of all, we have seen an alarming increase in violent assaults carried out against our police officers. Last year, an officer was assaulted in America, on average, every 10 minutes. In 2016, more than 140 officers lost their lives serving in the line of duty. These deaths fill our hearts with pain and with grief. Every drop of blood spilled from our men and women in blue is a wound inflicted on our nation. And when a brother or sister in uniform is hurt, on that day, all of America bleeds blue.
I want to send a message today to those who threaten violence against our police: We will protect those who protect us. And we believe criminals who kill police officers should get the death penalty. (Applause.)
One of my first executive orders as President instructed the Department of Justice to take all necessary steps and legal action to protect law enforcement from acts of violence against them.
The Department of Justice has also announced more than $98 million in grant funding to help your local police departments hire desperately needed new officers. Also, just as I promised, we are allowing our local police to access surplus military equipment — something the previous administration, for some reason, refused to do. (Applause.) Explain that one. Explain it to me, please. Never understood that one. Somebody out there can explain. Anybody want to stand up and explain it? It’d be tough. (Laughter.)
If we want to bring down violent crime, then we must stand up for our police. All of us gathered here today share a common goal. We want every child to be able to walk safely home from school, and we want every mother and father to know their children will be secure when they tuck them in at night.
No family should have to worry about bullets flying through windows, or gangs recruiting on street corners. Every American child should be able to grow up in a safe community, surrounded by a loving family, and preparing to embark on a bright, beautiful future.
As President, my greatest duty is to protect our nation and to protect our people. As we have witnessed recently, America faces grave threats. Terrorists have struck in the streets and subways of New York City twice in a few months. Both terrorists came to our country through the dysfunctional immigration system that we are correcting, and rapidly. And one came through chain migration — chain migration; the other, visa lottery.
They have a lottery. You pick people. Do you think the country is giving us their best people? No. (Laughter.) What kind of a system is that? They come in by lottery. They give us their worst people, they put them in a bin, but in his hand, when he’s picking them is, really, the worst of the worst. Congratulations, you’re going to the United States. Okay. (Laughter.) What a system — lottery system.
We’re calling for Congress to end chain migration and to end the visa lottery system, and replace it with a merit-based system of immigration. (Applause.) We want a system that puts the needs of American families, taxpayers, and security first.
That is why I have also directed the federal government law enforcement to work closely with our state and local police to destroy criminal cartels like the savages of MS-13. (Applause.)
Already this year, the Department of Justice has worked with partners in Central America to arrest and charge roughly 4,000 MS-13 members. And the Department of Homeland Security has arrested nearly 800 MS-13 gang members and associates, an 83 percent increase from the previous year, and we’re much higher this year than we were last year. And we’ll get rid of them completely very soon, right? Right? They’re working hard. (Applause.)
Earlier this year, ICE officers conducted the largest crackdown on criminal gangs in the history of our country. In just six weeks, ICE — these are great people too; great people — and the Border Patrol agents — great people — and our law enforcement partners arrested nearly 1,400 suspects and seized more than 200 illegal firearms and nearly 600 rounds of narcotics — over 600 pounds. That’s a lot of stuff. Recently, prosecutions of criminal firearm possessions were up 23 percent.
To any member of MS-13 listening, I have a message for you: We will find you. We will arrest you. We will jail you. We will throw you the hell out of the country. (Laughter.) I mean, somehow, I like it better than jail. Jail we have to take care of them. Who the hell wants to take care of them? (Applause.) You know the jail stuff is wonderful but we have to pay for it, right? (Laughter.)
But these are killers, these are people that are sadists in many cases. We don’t want them. We don’t want them. They’re getting out of here.
Our cities should not be sanctuaries for criminals; they should be sanctuaries for Americans. It is our duty to serve the hardworking citizens of our country who raise our families, cherish our values, salute our flag, and make this land our home. These are the citizens you represent, and these are the citizens you courageously protect.
By the way, you are great people. You are incredible people. Just so you understand, you are great people doing an incredible job. But I hope your families know that. I’d say 90 percent of — probably 90 percent agree, right? (Laughter.) The other 10 percent, that’s not working out so well. (Laughter.)
We heard from one such hero among us earlier today, your class spokesperson, DEA Officer Craig Wiles. It is truly amazing to see Craigs father sitting in the very seat where Craig himself sat 40 years ago, when he was just 15 years old. Where is his father, by the way? Where is his father? Where is your father? There he is. (Applause.) He’s better looking than you, by the way. (Laughter.) It’s a great story though. It’s fantastic. Thank you for being here. That’s really nice. You proud of your son, right? Good. So am I.
That day, Craig watched his father speak at this podium. When he listened to his fathers words, he was filled with pride and such devotion that, at that moment, he too decided to become a law enforcement officer. Terrific.
Today, its incredible that his own children have joined us for this special moment. His daughter, Ashley, is carrying on the legacy of her father and grandfather. She now serves in law enforcement at the FBI. His son, Austin, is in college. And no matter what he chooses to do, I think we can confidently — and we really can, with great confidence — say that, this, he will always be better because of his fathers lifelong example of selflessness and courage, and of love. So, thank you, Craig and your family. It’s a terrific story and really is a great honor to be with you. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
But as I look out in the audience today, I see many young, bright faces. To them, and to many other young Americans watching at home, of which there are many — you see, there’s the fake news back there. Look, everybody. (Laughter.) Fake news. No, actually, some of them are fine people. (Laughter.) About — let’s see, who’s back there? Yeah, about 30 percent. (Laughter.)
You are the men and women who teach them what it means to be a police officer. You are always there for us. The men and women in blue, in the dark of night, in the rush of danger, you break down doors, race down alleys, chase down suspects, and bring down criminals. And you do it with strength and skill and pride.
Theres a reason that your children look up to you with their eyes full of awe and full of wonder. Theres a reason that they rush to the window just to catch a glimpse of your sirens flashing by. Because to them, and to all of us, and to me, you are the guardians who keep us safe, who ward off danger, and who confront evil so that the good will always prevail.
You represent the best of America. And you leave us with a debt we can never hope to repay.
Today, we honor you, we thank you, and we know that by your example, some of the children here today and watching at home will be inspired to fill your shoes, to continue your service, to follow in your footsteps, and to take the oath, to carry the badge, to wear the shield, and to join the ranks of heroes.
Thank you to our police, thank you to our sheriffs, thank you to the FBI, and thank you to our law enforcement families. God bless you all. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
LikeLiked by 14 people
like a balm in Gilead….
LikeLiked by 3 people
Wow! Just wow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
SD, I had no idea who the first speakers were because the “egotist” talking heads at FBN couldnt shut up. PDJT did a great job of acknowledging those speakers. The graduating class applauded and laughed many times during PDJT’s speech. To see the whole event got to RSBN:
http://rsbn.tv/live-president-trump-speaks-at-the-fbi-academy-in-quantico-va/
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much for posting that SD. The little things like this really are illustrative.
LikeLiked by 4 people
They really are.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope this is a message to whistleblowers.
“I am here not only to congratulate you, but to honor you for your courage and for your devotion. And I want you to know that with me as your President, Americas police will have a true friend and loyal champion in the White House — more loyal than anyone else can be, I tell you.”
LikeLiked by 10 people
Lil’ Andy McCabe wasn’t at this event. His boss(Wray) and his 2 assistants were. but not our precious Snowflake.
I’ am thinking the hyena trying to avoid a one on one with the Lion, but what do I know.
LikeLiked by 8 people
Too busy texting Hunneebuns?
He’s a couple of thousand texts behind.
If Huneebuns ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Maybe he was too busy answering questions to make it to ceremony?
(an ol lady can dream, can’t she?)
LikeLiked by 3 people
technically I think Sessions is Andy’s boss, not Wray who is the head of the FBI…but I could be wrong
LikeLike
No, FBI reports to DOJ, and Session’s is the head of DOJ, so Wray reports to him. Yes, there are procedures in system to maintain neutrality. It is taking two to tango kind of dance.
LikeLike
Bet He wasn’t invited.
LikeLike
A very uplifting speech.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I thought POTUS sent a clear message that he supports “those who protect us”
More to come from POTUS about those who would subvert, commit treason –
LikeLiked by 3 people
Andy wanted to be there, but he had a meeting with Rosenstein and Mueller to work on their insurance plan.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Does Trump not have the authority to compel the DOJ and FBI to release any and all documents pertaining to their activities that presently the Congress has been getting stonewalled on? Why isn’t he doing this? I just saw a UChicago poll that claims 63% of Americans believe Trump impeded or obstructed justice in the matter of RussiaGate. This belief is utter and complete nonsense. Yet it tells us that if the lying media lie 24 hours a day, sooner or later the majority of voters buy their pitch. Trump may be winning the battle among his supporters, but it’s clear he is not doing that outside them.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Still waiting on JFK Files…no release since 11-17
LikeLike
I wouldn’t believe anything coming out of Chicago… isn’t Rahm Emanuel still mayor?
POTUS mentioned Chicago in his speech… raised his voice to ask “What the hell is going on in Chicago… repeated the question…
Aside from the poll… Americans are beginning to hear of the corruption at highest level of FBI… you think they will be focused on charges against the sitting president.? I don’t (except of course the usual suspects will ‘rage against the ______’ (fill in the blank)
LikeLike
“dying of the light.” Is that the proper “fill in the blank” that you were seeking? Dylan Thomas is one of my favs.
LikeLike
the full phrase came to me initially and I didn’t feel comfortable with the end “dying of the light’ because my take on Thomas’ poem is he’s speaking of dying… the act itself. I didn’t want to give any comfort to the Antifa & other ragers, so I omitted the rest of the line and left a blank for litany of things… imho the ragers themselves do not know against what they rage – it seems (to them) to be personified in our POTUS (they’re not critical thinkers, in fact while they think they are smart, educated etc., they’re only capable of parroting whatever their handlers tell them).
LikeLike
The media keeps reporting that the President addressed FBI Recruits…in fact the FBI National Academy is a 11 week course for local law enforcement and other LEO (from the US and around the world) that receive training thru the FBI. The MSM just parrot each other and never actually do their own research before reporting….journalism is dead.
LikeLiked by 12 people
Thank you for saying that. The media is often careless and lazy about facts and truth. Many Americans have been destroyed by the media and rarely is there any recourse/consequences for these malicious acts..
President Trump will fix the libel laws and make them straighten up. That’s probably what the underlying problem is with the press, they don’t like being forced to act ethically.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Great observation SEABEE. PDJT kept acknowledging law enforcement and those in blue.
LikeLike
Yes, there is usually a lot of competition in local LE agencies because they slots to the Academy are limited. They like to send their best and brightest to it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
President Trump is a fantastic motivational speaker. He brings out the best in people. He is sincere and genuine. People listen to what he has to say because he is REAL! When he is finished speaking, you say to yourself: It’s over already?
President Trump is a great man and we are fortunate that he took the job of President which so far, has been a constant and unnecessary turmoil for him and his family and by extension, We the People. Yet, he moves steadily forward, adapting to the situation and creating new strategy to deal with it. He’s having to work harder than he should because of the D-Rats, media-rats and rinos constant obstruction. I hope we all get relief from these evil people soon. .
LikeLiked by 10 people
Thank you President Trump, there is much to do to make up for the travesty our first responders have endured for eight years under the past administration, you and your administration are making a large improvement but we must all be part of this.
Good job towards MAGA.
LikeLiked by 4 people
FBI Director Wray: @POTUS is first President to attend FBI National Academy Graduation in 46 years.
LikeLiked by 11 people
Good “start” by Wray. Lets see where he goes from here. I believe his hands may be “tied” until the Special WitchHunt is over.
LikeLike
The president was proud in his pick of Wray. He said that he was a good a pick as Gorsuch. I think that he means Gorsuch is to the Constitution so goes Wray. I pray it is true of both of them.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They said it numerous times… OIG report..
LikeLike
President Trump conveyed his high expectations for the class by noting how proud their children and the citizenry would be. Implied: go out there and don’t let them down.
That’s our President pointing out the path to integrity.
LikeLiked by 8 people
We used to have a saying at the airlines with regards to management’s messaging strategy: “tell ’em how good they are and they’ll bend over backwards to prove ‘ya right…”
LikeLiked by 7 people
Great speech.
Inspirational, uplifting and a truth bomb here and there
LikeLiked by 4 people
Always the fighter.
Best president ever.
LikeLiked by 10 people
There are almost 36,000 FBI agents and no single person can possibly, personally, handle every detail that arises.
LikeLike
That’s why it’s so important to have non-partisan, ethical leadership in that agency.
LikeLiked by 3 people
twitter clips for whoever wants ’em
LikeLiked by 3 people
We are missing it. Why did he go? The troops needed a morale booster. It is not for just these fine new Recruits. It was for the White Hats dealing with the politicization and Obamination that occurred within the FBI. They must be reeling. This was just an occasion, he couldn’t go the the FBI w/ the White Hats in it, however, this will do. They will get the message, help is on the way, hang tight until The Big Ugly.
LikeLiked by 5 people
totally agree POTUS went to convey a message or two or three. A 2nd message might be that POTUS has confidence in the members of FBI that are the bottom and middle portion… the good guys…
They’ll remember that when soon Americans learn of this present scandal and charge that whole FBI is corrupted… it’s not – it’s the top
LikeLiked by 2 people
Proud that our President took time today to speak to these graduates and their families.
His very presence speaks volumes………….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even with a cold President Trump45 is in command and it shows. A Law & Order President is a wonderful thing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The best part of this speech of course was when he talked about giving the death penalty to those who kill our LEO’s. I’m one million percent for it! Over all, this was a fantastic speech to watch. It was great seeing the reception that POTUS received from the graduates and their families.
God bless our president and our men and women in blue.
LikeLiked by 3 people
LikeLiked by 1 person
I listened to this on the radio on my way to work. I almost had to pull over because my eyes started to tear up. I think it is only 25 minutes long. I encourage you all to take the time to listen to it. It is beyond any superlatives I might use. Donald Trump is one of the greatest leaders in the history of the world. I don’t know how long he can keep up the fight for our civilization but I am hoping it is long enough to halt a descent into barbarity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
President Trump is the answer to our prayers. It is amazing just how completely corrupted the US government and Judicial system has become.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Our LEOs need all of our support and love. They need to know we are here for them. Please share President Trump’s speech far and wide with every LEO you know. I did. The original link as provided by Sundance: http://publicpool.kinja.com/subject-remarks-by-president-trump-at-fbi-national-aca-1821329567
Thank you, LEOs, for being our “guardians who keep us safe, who ward off danger, and who confront evil so that the good will always prevail!”
LikeLike
LikeLike
LikeLike
LikeLike
LikeLike
Compare this inspiring speech to any of Obama’s speeches where he often condemned the police before due process and helped stoke the anti-police BLM sentiments and made Kaepernick with his “cops are pigs” socks a national hero to the left.
This speech in support of the rank and file and the reputable leaders of the FBI and other law enforcement agencies came at a perfect time and will help separate the law abiding, dedicated heroes from the rancorous, anti Trump (allegedly) corrupt high ranking Hillary-Obama political holdovers in the FBI and the DoJ whenever new damaging revelations are released to the public.
LikeLike
And Michael Slager, North Charleston police officer, just got 20 years in federal prison for doing his job… if everyone on the Treehouse would ask PDJT to pardon Michael Slager, we might can send this upstanding (former) officer home to his wife and two-year-old son for Christmas! Even with only the MSM and their local bootlickers reporting the story, one can still read between the lines! Walter Scott was a felon, he ran despite warnings – and he sought to tase the officer! He had a history of violence, crime, and jail visits – and yet, Michael Slager is the one going to prison. One voice isn’t enough to get this man freed – please, Treepers who care about our boys (and gals) in blue, help me help him!
LikeLike
Mr Trump just gave the Deep State what they wanted to hear. He loves the FBI.
SO WHAT?!!? DO SOMETHING about the FBI corruption and the DOJ corruption MR President.
So far you have done nothing other than Comey, who was a given.
You want to drain the swamp, well WTF are doing about it? Not a damn thing!!
I am beginning to wonder who you really are!
LikeLike
Imagine if Obama were there – he’d be lecturing about the globalist agenda. It’s wonderful to hear these young LEOs support PT’s America First agenda (in effect).
LikeLike
Here’s what CNN got out of Trump’s FBI Academy speech today (awkward, don’t like each other)…
———-
3 awkward pictures that tell you everything about how Donald Trump and Jeff Sessions feel about each other
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2017/12/15/politics/donald-trump-jeff-sessions-photo-analysis/index.html#ampshare=http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/15/politics/donald-trump-jeff-sessions-photo-analysis/index.html
LikeLike