ORLANDO, Fla. — For President Donald Trump's first public appearance since his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh was narrowly approved by the Senate, the commander-in-chief was is in Orlando to speak at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Convention.
While it was not a campaign-style rally, the President still got cheers from the crowd of law enforcement professionals. Trump talked about securing borders, prison reform and the opioid crisis while showing his support for those who defend the law, including Brett Kavanaugh, whom Trump called, "flawless."
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"I said, 'Brett, congratulations. This is going to be a piece of cake getting you confirmed. This is going to be so easy,'" Trump joked.
The president landed at Orlando International Airport and then went to the Orange County Convention Center. The conference gives law enforcement from all over the country the chance to learn about new technology and crime fighting tools.
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The president touted his funding for the opioid crisis, announcing $42 million to fight the epidemic in high-risk areas around the country. He also took a swipe at Democrats by talking about what he has done for school safety and to provide tactical equipment to police.
"It looked too tough, it looked too strong. You have people shooting at you and they are worried about your look? Someday you will explain that to me, I don't get it," Trump said.
WATCH BELOW: President Trump speaks in Orlando
WATCH LIVE: President Trump appears in OrlandoPresident Donald Trump speaks at a police conference in Orlando. READ MORE: https://at.wftv.com/2OKpPFP
Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Monday, October 8, 2018
Gov. Rick Scott, who is running for U.S. Senate, introduced the president. Ron DeSantis, the Republican running for governor who was heavily backed by Trump ahead of the primary, did not join the President on Monday.
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Protestors also greeted the president upon his arrival. Some were already at the center Monday morning.
Many were there to show they were upset with Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination.
“We will no longer tolerate this, ‘boys being boys,” mentality. Boys will be held accountable for their actions,” said Neila Wilson of the Central Florida Woman’s March.
They weren’t the only ones speaking out. State senators Linda Stewart and Victor Torres, state Rep. Carlos Smith, and state representative candidate Anna Eskamani held a news conference to highlight what they called repeated attacks by the president and Scott on Florida’s healthcare.
The tightened security and heavy traffic was noticeable to tourists.
“We were in the hotel room last night and we saw them walking through the hotel, making sure everything was safe for him,” said visitor Sandy Benson.
Cox Media Group
