President Trump Orders Strict Action Against Burning the American Flag. Justice Department to Investigate. Visas of Foreign Nationals Will Be Revoked. The Order Aims to Protect the National Symbol and Prevent Violence.
America: U.S. President Donald Trump has recently taken a strict step regarding cases of burning the American flag. Trump has signed an Executive Order directing the Justice Department to investigate individuals who burn the American flag and ensure provisions for prosecuting them. The court had ruled by a majority of five that the political expression of individuals burning the American flag is protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution.
Trump stated in his order that defaming the American flag is not merely individual expression but an insult to the nation's symbol. He says that such acts can incite violence and riots and oppose America's values and freedom. Trump called it a 'highly offensive and provocative' step and said that it cannot be ignored.
Signing of the Order in the Oval Office
President Trump signed this order at a program held in the Oval Office. He mentioned a Texas case from 1989 in which the Supreme Court provided protection to flag burning, considering it political expression. However, Trump also clarified that despite the court's decision, there should always be scope for strict action in such cases.
Trump said that insulting the American flag is not just a symbolic act, but it can also spread public unrest, violence, and riots. He also said that burning the flag can be a threat to American citizens and such acts also threaten national security.
Strict Provisions for Foreign Nationals
The executive order also contains clear provisions for foreigners. If a foreign national burns the American flag, their visa, residence permit, citizenship process, and other immigration benefits may be revoked. Trump said that such a person can be immediately deported from the country. In addition, the order states that the accused should be jailed for up to one year and no option of early release will be given.
This step is seen as an effort by Trump to strengthen nationalism and the protection of national symbols in America. The order also states that the Attorney General should ensure that criminal and civil laws are enforced with full strictness in cases of flag burning.
Supreme Court Decision
Although the American Supreme Court has considered flag burning as political expression protected by the Constitution, Trump says that the court's decision is not sufficient from the perspective of preventing violence and riots. He emphasized that acts like flag burning are a threat to America's unity and civil security.
The Supreme Court had previously said that American citizens have the right to express political views and this includes expressions like flag burning. The court made this decision with a four-to-five majority. But Trump says that the time has come to take additional legal steps in such cases to ensure respect for the nation and its symbols.
