The Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association (DPSOA) — a private nonprofit representing active-duty state troopers — is drawing public criticism after advertising Trump-themed merchandise under the official Texas Department of Public Safety name and logo.
The association’s Facebook post, made earlier this week, promoted a “45th Presidential Coin” and a “Make America Great Again” collectible, priced at $22.99 and $12.99 before member discounts. Both items were listed under the DPSOA logo featuring the state of Texas seal, with a caption linking to the organization’s online store.
The post quickly generated backlash, not from opponents of law enforcement, but from Texans who said the use of the DPS name and imagery for partisan political merchandise was inappropriate.
“We support our state troopers — always have, always will. But this? This is wrong,” one commenter wrote. “DPS represents all Texans, not one political party or personality.”
Another commenter said the post “gives the appearance of partisanship,” while others described it as “disgraceful” and “beneath the integrity of the badge.”
When challenged, the DPSOA replied that it was “just supplying our members with items they want to purchase.” That response drew further criticism from commenters — and from both Texas Reporter and Big Bend Times, which questioned the association’s use of state branding to market partisan items.
“That’s not how this works,” Texas Reporter commented. “You’re not a retail outlet — you represent the men and women who wear the DPS badge and, by extension, the people of Texas. Selling political merchandise under the DPS name uses the credibility of a public safety institution to push a partisan message.”
Big Bend Times added,
“You’re using a brand the state owns to promote a political viewpoint. DPS is ours. We paid for it. Not yours or your members’. Y’all work for us.”
In follow-up replies, the DPSOA doubled down, saying, “We work for our members,” and later dismissing the controversy by calling the items “challenge coins.”
Several commenters pushed back on that explanation. One asked how the organization determined its members wanted the items, while another noted the double standard: “Did both Bush Presidents get these items? Sounds like the DPSOA board is endorsing Trump.”
As of press time, the Texas Department of Public Safety itself has not commented on the matter or clarified whether the association’s use of its name and emblem for partisan merchandise violates state policy.
The incident has amplified ongoing concerns about the politicization of law enforcement symbols — and whether organizations tied to public safety can remain neutral while leveraging official state branding.
Texas Reporter 