Trump Signs Order Mandating Prosecution Flag Desecration US

President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against individuals who burn or desecrate the American flag, framing the act as offensive and provocative. The order instructs the Attorney General to vigorously prosecute such cases and to refer flag desecration cases to state or local authorities, potentially under other laws like disturbing the peace or environmental statutes, despite Supreme Court rulings that flag burning is protected free speech under the First Amendment. Trump also ordered the administration to deny or revoke visas, residence permits, and naturalization for foreign nationals who desecrate the flag. This move challenges the 1989 Supreme Court decision in Texas v. Johnson, which ruled that flag burning is symbolic speech protected by the Constitution, and legal experts anticipate immediate court challenges against the order. The White House emphasizes the flag's status as a sacred national symbol and seeks to reinforce respect and patriotism through this executive action. Polling shows a growing majority of Americans now oppose flag burning during protests, aligning with Trump's stance on the issue.