Trump bows to pressure, signs executive order on police reform

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order introducing several police reforms amid widespread protests in the country.

His order offers federal grants to improve practices, including creating a database to trace abuses by officers, though it rejects calls to defund or dismantle the police.

The landmark move comes amid anger over the police killings of African Americans, particularly the case of George Floyd which triggered a global movement for equality.

Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Mr Trump began by saying he had met a number of African-American families who had lost loved ones, including Ahmaud Arbery – the black jogger who was gunned down in Georgia earlier this year.

Mr Trump, flanked by law enforcement officers, again defended police while condemning looters and “anarchy”.

“We have to find common ground,” Mr Trump said. “But I strongly oppose the radical and dangerous efforts to defund, dismantle and dissolve our police departments.”

He added that “without police, there’s chaos”.

“Americans believe we must support the brave men and women in blue who police our streets and keep us safe,” Mr Trump said.

“Americans also believe we must improve accountability, increase transparency and invest more resources in police training, recruiting and community engagement.”