President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday directing the U.S. judicial system to punish individuals who burn or desecrate the American flag.
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump stated:
“If you burn a flag, you will face one year in prison, with no possibility of early release.”
The order instructs judges to enforce penalties for violations of flag desecration laws and to clarify the scope of the First Amendment concerning this issue. It also calls for suspension of visas, residency permits, and naturalization procedures for offenders.
“The American flag is a symbol of our national life, meant to unite and represent all Americans,” the order states.
“Desecration is a deeply offensive and provocative act. It is a declaration of contempt, hostility, and violence against our nation.”
Trump’s administration contends that Supreme Court rulings on the First Amendment do not protect acts such as flag desecration.
However, the Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that burning or destroying the national flag is protected as freedom of expression.
