Trump Signs Executive Order Regarding American Flag Burning

In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that burning the flag is a legitimate political expression protected by the U.S. constitution.

President Trump signed an executive order that requires the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute people for burning the American flag.

In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that burning the flag is a legitimate political expression protected by the U.S. constitution.

Trump’s order acknowledged the court’s ruling, but it said there is still room to prosecute flag burning if it “is likely to incite imminent lawless action” or amounts to “fighting words.”

“You burn a flag, you get one year in jail. You don’t get 10 years, you don’t get one month,” Trump said. He added, “it goes on your record, and you will see flag burning stopping immediately.”

The order also calls for AG Pam Bondi to pursue litigation to challenge the court’s 1989 ruling. Trump described the 1989 court behind the ruling as a “very sad court.”