Trump backs Flock cameras as privacy debate intensifies

President Donald Trump expressed personal support for Flock Safety's automated license plate cameras on Sunday, citing their value for law enforcement while acknowledging privacy concerns that have sparked bipartisan opposition and legislative scrutiny. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned from Ireland, Trump said, "I sort of like them because of that, because of law enforcement," adding, "But some people don't. They think it's an infringement." The comments, made on September 13, 2026, represent his clearest public statement to date on the technology, though he did not announce a new federal policy. Flock cameras are deployed in roughly 6,000 communities across every U.S. state except Alaska, according to the Associated Press. The systems photograph passing vehicles and convert images into searchable records that can include license plates, location, time, and vehicle characteristics. Police agencies use the data to investigate stolen vehicles, missing-person cases, and other crimes. Supporters, including law enforcement officials, argue the network helps investigators identify vehicles and develop leads quickly.