Trump said the executive order “would consolidate several things.” (Proceedings)
Washington DC:
United States President Donald Trump said Friday (local time) that he signed a “very strong” executive order aimed at protecting the country’s monuments and statues from vandalism.
“I have just had the privilege of signing a very strong executive order that protects American monuments, monuments and statues, and combats recent criminal violence. Long prison terms for these illegal acts against our great country!” Trump tweeted.
I just had the privilege of signing a very strong Executive Order that protects the Monuments, Monuments and Statues of the United States, and fights recent criminal violence. Long prison terms for these illegal acts against our Great Country!
– Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2020
The White House has yet to release details of the executive order.
Earlier this week, Trump said he was preparing an order after protesters attempted to smash a statue of former President Andrew Jackson near the White House amid national protests against racism and police brutality, taking place after the death of George Floyd, an African-American man in police custody last month.
The President of the United States said the order would strengthen the existing law, The Hill reported.
The Veterans Monument Preservation Act passed in 2003 already empowers authorities to impose fines and a prison sentence of up to 10 years for “attempts to injure or destroy any structure, plaque, statue, or other monument on public property that commemorate the service of any person or persons in the United States Armed Forces. “
At a press conference, Trump said the executive order “would consolidate several things.”
The National Guard was activated in Washington DC to protect federal monuments following protesters’ attempt to overthrow Andrew Jackson’s bust Monday.
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