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Donald Trump lauded for surprise visit to NYPD on 9/11 anniversary

The former real estate mogul, 75, spoke about the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center and slammed the Afghanistan withdrawal

Former President Donald J Trump was lauded for visiting the New York Police Department's (NYPD) 17th precinct on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 on Saturday.

The former real estate mogul, 75, spoke briefly about the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center, slammed the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal and took questions from police officers. Meanwhile, he also hinted that he might run for president again in 2024. 

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Trump called the 20th anniversary of the tragedy a "very sad day for a lot of reasons," referring to both the terrorist attack and the botched drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan. He then praised NYPD officers for their dedication and commitment. "I grew up with you and you are New York's finest. You're incredible people. I know many of you," he said, before telling the crowd, “if they let you do your job you wouldn’t have crime in New York!”

Trump noted how some in the crowd were nodding their heads and warned them to “just stand and just be perfect" if they didn't want to get in trouble. “Don’t nod, because if you do nod, you’ll get in trouble, OK?” he joked.

An NYPD officer asked him whether he'd run for the White House a second time. "That's a tough question," Trump responded. "Actually, for me, it's an easy question. I mean, I know what I'm going to do, but I'm not supposed to be talking about it yet from the standpoint of campaign finance laws, which, frankly, are ridiculous," said Trump. 

"But I think you're going to be happy," the former president assured.

Another officer asked him if he would consider establishing days of recognition for police officers if he is elected for a second time. Trump praised the question and said he had fought to secure funding for the NYPD and FDNY first responders impacted by the 9/11 attacks. He said he liked the idea of giving more recognition to cops given the growing anti-police sentiment across the country.

Then someone asked Trump if he would consider running for mayor of New York City should he choose not to run for President. “I would love that! I’d say, ‘Fellas good luck, go to town,” he quipped, before addressing the rising crime rates in the five boroughs. “It’s hurting our city very badly.”

While squeezing in for a photo with his supporters, the former President made a joke in reference to COVID-19. “I’m not catching anything from you. If I do, I’ll come back and blame you!” he said. "I love you all!" Trump wrote in the stationhouse logbook before leaving the NYPD’s 17th Precinct in midtown to cheers and applause. One supporter yelled, "Thank you for keeping us safe!"

“I’ve been given so much support by the people who do what you do,” Trump told his well-wishers. “We love the blue. I’ll say it loud. You know, you’re not supposed to say that. We love the blue.”

The 45th POTUS was also lauded on social media for the surprise visit, with his supporters mocking the sitting commander-in-chief.

"President Trump refused to attend a ceremony of elite politicians responsible for 20 years of failed Afghanistan policy and instead chose to spend it with the brave men and women of the NYPD and FDNY. That's why we love him," one Twitter user wrote.

"Yea, Trump was w/ NYPD police officers, and FDNY firefighter, the hero’s on 9/11, not scummy politicians, but I wonder if Biden camped out near a bank w/ a time & temp. sign, so he wouldn’t get caught looking at his watch 4x 2 see how much longer he had 2 act like he gave a s***?" a comment read.

"To all people complaining that President Trump & @DonaldJTrumpJr are having fun tonight, remember Trump was in NYC meeting with first responders from NYPD & FDNY, while you're still waiting Biden should speak," another added.