Mathew Silverman is the National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and a board member for Law Enforcement Today.
This National Police Week, as America honored the brave men and women of law enforcement who risk their lives every day to protect our communities, President Donald J. Trump invited law enforcement leaders from across the country to celebrate the beginning of Police Week with an incredible dinner in the Rose Garden at the White House.
I was truly honored to receive an invitation to this special event from my good friend Alex, an Assistant to the President, who has worked tirelessly to help coordinate so many events and keep the law enforcement community informed about the changes taking place across the country.
This was not an ordinary dinner. It was something genuinely special.
President Trump brought together several key leaders from the administration to join law enforcement leaders for the evening, including Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General Todd Blanche, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, FBI Director Kash Patel, ATF Director Robert Cekada, DEA Administrator Terry Cole, U.S. Marshals Service Director Gady Serralta, U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, U.S. Secret Service Chief Richard Macauley, U.S. Park Police Chief Scott Fear, and many others.
The tables were set throughout the Rose Garden in a very intimate setting. Each table seated only a few guests alongside a member of the administration. I was incredibly fortunate to be seated at a table with President Trump himself.
The evening began with President Trump delivering remarks thanking the men and women of law enforcement for their sacrifices and dedication to this country. After speaking, he stepped down from the stage and joined us for dinner.
I know some people will criticize me for attending this event because today everything becomes politicized. But honestly, who would not want the opportunity to spend an evening at the White House, in the Rose Garden, having genuine conversations with the leaders of our nation?
For perspective, I attended several events at the White House during the Biden Administration as well. While those events were appreciated, nothing came close to the personal and intimate atmosphere of this dinner.
I think too many people never get to see President Trump for who he actually is as a person. One moment that always stuck with me was hearing his granddaughter Kai speak at the Republican National Convention. She talked about how her grandfather gives her candy and soda when her parents are not looking, how proud he was when she made the honor roll, how he printed out her accomplishments to show his friends, and how even while facing tremendous pressure himself, he still focused on asking how she was doing. She described him as caring, loving, competitive, and someone who always pushes people to succeed. Whether people agree politically or not, those comments humanized him in a way many people never see.
After the speech, President Trump came over to our table, shook each of our hands, thanked us for what we do for law enforcement and for the country, and personally handed each of us a Presidential Challenge Coin, one of the coolest challenge coins I have ever received.
Then something happened that no one at the group could have expected - unless you have dined at Mar-A-Lago on a Saturday night when he's there.
The President grabbed an iPad and asked us what kind of music we liked. The President of the United States literally DJ’d the event in the middle of the Rose Garden. He scrolled through his playlist, explained why he liked certain songs, and asked us if there was anything specific we wanted to hear. It was surreal and honestly one of the most unexpectedly personal moments of the night.
Throughout dinner, we discussed serious issues facing the country and law enforcement. President Trump was not simply talking to us. He was actively asking for our opinions. We discussed the conflict involving Iran, the Memphis Safe initiative, the DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force, immigration enforcement, border security, and the border wall. We talked about what officers and agents need in order to safely and effectively do their jobs.
The conversation did not feel political. It felt like sitting down with someone who genuinely wanted honest feedback from the people on the front lines.
Toward the end of the evening, President Trump asked whether we had ever been inside the Oval Office and offered to walk us over to see it. I've been blessed to have been by his side in the Oval Office for bill signings, and it's always a surreal and powerful experience.
After about an hour, the President let us know he had to leave to prepare for his trip to China the following morning. Before departing, he asked whether each of us wanted an individual photograph with him. Of course, we all said yes. He personally took the time to stand with every guest and take photos one by one. It was an incredible gesture and a moment I will never forget.
After the President left, Vice President Vance got up and began walking table to table throughout the Rose Garden, shaking hands, speaking with guests, and taking photos with anyone who asked. Seeing both the President and Vice President interact with everyone in such a relaxed and genuine way reminded many of us that despite the titles and responsibilities they carry, they are still people who truly care about law enforcement and the people protecting this country.
I know my perspective may differ from what many people hear in the media. Too often, the news portrays President Trump and members of this administration as villains. That never been my experience at all. What I have always witnessed is people who are welcoming, respectful, appreciative of law enforcement, and deeply interested in keeping this country safe.
I cannot thank this administration enough for allowing me to be part of such an incredible evening and for giving me, and FLEOA, a seat at the table when decisions are being made that impact the law enforcement community nationwide.
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