In June 2025, NYPD Chief of Department John Chell and New York City Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry visited former President Donald Trump at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. The two high-ranking officials were off-duty but were accompanied by their NYPD security details.
Their visit, which included a round of golf and lunch with Trump, quickly sparked public controversy and prompted an investigation by the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI). The primary concern: potential misuse of public resources and violation of the NYPD code of conduct.
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The Complaint and Investigation
On June 20, 2025, activist Rev. Kevin McCall filed a formal complaint alleging that using NYPD personnel for a private social visit could violate city ethics rules and undermine public trust.
The DOI launched an official investigation to determine whether Chell and Daughtry’s use of NYPD resources breached any policies or city guidelines. According to sources, the security details reportedly stayed at a distance during the golf game and did not directly participate.
Who Are John Chell and Kaz Daughtry?
John Chell serves as the Chief of Department for the NYPD, the highest-ranking uniformed position within the force. Kaz Daughtry, as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, oversees public safety initiatives and works closely with law enforcement agencies.
Both are influential figures in New York City’s public safety landscape. Their close ties to former President Trump, particularly during a private outing, have fueled debate over impartiality and appropriate use of city resources.
Timeline and Public Reaction
The controversy intensified after Chell and Daughtry shared photos on social media, describing the day as a “great afternoon” and praising the lunch with Trump. These posts quickly attracted media attention, especially amid heated debates over immigration policy and ongoing legal battles involving Trump.
Public reaction has been mixed. Many citizens and activist groups condemned the apparent use of public resources for personal leisure activities, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, supporters argue that security for high-ranking officials is standard protocol, regardless of personal engagements.
Official Responses and Next Steps
City officials confirmed that Chell and Daughtry were entitled to security details deemed necessary by the NYPD. A spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams stated that the administration is cooperating fully with the DOI investigation and reiterated its commitment to ethical governance.
As of now, the DOI has not released final findings, and both Chell and Daughtry have not been officially charged with any wrongdoing.
Conclusion
The investigation into NYPD Chief John Chell and Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry’s golf outing with former President Trump highlights the delicate balance between public duties and personal freedoms for high-ranking officials. As scrutiny grows, the outcome of this case could set important precedents for the future use of city resources.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.