President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” receives enthusiastic backing from the National Fraternal Order of Police, promising financial relief to officers who face unfair tax burdens and high living costs in expensive cities.
Key Takeaways
- The National Fraternal Order of Police, America’s largest police union, strongly endorses Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” for its officer-focused tax benefits
- The bill would eliminate federal income tax on overtime for officers earning under $160,000 and increase SALT deductions to $40,000 for those earning under $500,000
- The legislation passed the House with Trump’s support by a narrow 215-214 vote but faces opposition in the Senate from fiscal conservatives
- FOP President Patrick Yoes praised the bill as “a promise kept” to public safety officers nationwide
- The current SALT cap particularly harms officers required to live in high-tax, expensive areas near their jurisdictions
Police Union Champions Trump’s Financial Relief for Officers
The National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), representing more than 364,000 law enforcement officers nationwide, has thrown its considerable weight behind President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” This landmark legislation specifically addresses financial challenges facing America’s police officers through two key provisions: eliminating federal income tax on overtime earnings for officers making under $160,000 annually and increasing the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000 for taxpayers earning less than $500,000. These changes would provide immediate financial relief to officers who often work extensive overtime hours and live in high-cost areas due to residency requirements.
“The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ is more than legislation—it is a promise kept to the public safety officers across the country and a bold step toward an economy that respects, rewards, and uplifts the people who keep it safe,” said Patrick Yoes, National FOP President.
FOP President Patrick Yoes highlighted how Trump’s leadership on this issue dates back to his campaign promises, noting that these tax provisions recognize the unique financial challenges facing law enforcement personnel. The bill successfully passed the House of Representatives by the narrowest of margins (215-214), with President Trump working closely with House Speaker Mike Johnson to secure its passage. This legislative victory demonstrates Trump’s continuing commitment to supporting police officers through concrete financial benefits rather than mere symbolic gestures.
SALT Deductions Critical for Officers in High-Cost Areas
The SALT deduction increase is particularly significant for officers serving in expensive metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Many departments require officers to live within city limits or a specific distance from their jurisdiction, forcing them to maintain residences in high-tax, high-cost areas without the ability to relocate to more affordable communities. The current $10,000 SALT cap implemented in 2017 has disproportionately impacted these officers, effectively increasing their tax burden while they serve communities that need them most.
“The current cap on SALT deductions uniquely and unfairly penalizes law enforcement officers, who often are required to live within a certain distance of the jurisdictions they serve—removing a valuable mechanism that allows for a reduction in their cost of living,” said Patrick Yoes, National FOP President.
Yoes further explained that these deduction limitations have strained local budgets at a time when cities and counties already face financial challenges in maintaining public safety services. The combined impact of taxing overtime pay and limiting SALT deductions has created a perfect storm of financial pressure on America’s law enforcement officers. Trump’s bill directly addresses these concerns, providing targeted relief to those who put their lives on the line daily to protect American communities.
Senate Opposition Creates Hurdles Despite Trump’s Push
Despite President Trump’s strong backing and the bill’s successful passage in the House, the legislation faces significant obstacles in the Senate. Fiscal conservatives from lower-tax states have expressed concerns that increasing the SALT deduction cap could incentivize high-tax policies in predominantly Democrat-controlled states. Representative Rich McCormick voiced opposition to the SALT provision specifically, claiming it would add approximately $385 billion to the U.S. deficit over time – a figure disputed by supporters who point to the economic benefits of tax relief for middle-class public servants.
“President Trump first proposed the elimination of Federal income taxes on overtime while still a candidate, and we are very pleased that a similar provision is included in the ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” said Patrick Yoes, National FOP President
The FOP remains optimistic about the bill’s prospects, emphasizing that President Trump’s leadership has already moved the legislation further than many expected. The union continues to advocate for these tax reforms as essential components of a broader strategy to support law enforcement nationwide. As economic pressures mount and departments struggle with recruitment and retention, Trump’s focus on concrete financial benefits for officers represents a practical approach to addressing the needs of America’s law enforcement community while recognizing their essential role in maintaining safe communities.
