Full Breakdown
Trump Backs Controversial Flock Surveillance Cameras as Backlash Grows
By Drooid · · How we work
Trump Endorses Flock Amid Privacy Outcry
President Donald Trump defended the use of Flock’s automatic license-plate-reading (ALPR) cameras during a press encounter on the return leg of his Ireland trip.
Background and Context
Flock, an Atlanta-based firm, operates an estimated 120,000 AI-enabled cameras nationwide. Law-enforcement agencies in every state except Alaska employ the system to scan plates and cross-reference criminal databases. The nonprofit Institute for Justice reports that more than 200 local governments have cancelled or failed to renew ALPR contracts since the start of 2025. Reports of officers using the system to stalk partners or ex-partners have intensified public concern.
Official Statements & Responses
Flock founder and CEO Garrett Langley told Fox News that “when people talk about just one of these, privacy or safety, they're prioritizing the wrong thing, and what we have to prioritize as a country is compromise.” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned that the technology could “become a surveillance state,” prompting the state transportation office to ban ALPR installations on state highways. Flock announced it will shorten default data-retention periods from 30 days to seven, with the change slated for implementation by January 1.
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic office-holders have highlighted alleged abuses. Tennessee Democratic nominee Chaz Molder called the cameras “big government overreach.” The Washington Post reported that at least 50 law-enforcement officers have been charged with or accused of misusing Flock cameras, including stalking women.
Verbatim Quote
“When people talk about just one of these, privacy or safety, they're prioritizing the wrong thing, and what we have to prioritize as a country is compromise,” — Garrett Langley, flock CEO