Trump said the executive order “would consolidate various things.” (File)
Washington DC:
US President Donald Trump said Friday (local time) that he had signed a “very strong” executive order to protect the country’s monuments and statues from vandalism.
“I just had the privilege of signing a very strong decree protecting American monuments, monuments and statues – and combating 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 decree protecting American monuments, landmarks and statues – and fighting 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 decree.
Earlier this week, Trump said he was preparing an order after protesters attempted to vandalize a statue of former president Andrew Jackson near the White House amid national protests against racism and police brutality, which take place after the death of George Floyd, an African-American in police custody last month.
The President has said the ordinance will strengthen existing law, The Hill reported.
The Veterans’ Memorial Preservation Act, passed in 2003, already authorizes authorities to impose fines and imprisonment of up to 10 years for “attempts to injure or destroy any structure, plaque, statue or other monument on public property commemorating the service of anyone “or people in the United States armed forces. “
At a press conference, Trump said the executive order “would consolidate various things.”
The National Guard was activated in Washington DC to protect federal monuments after Monday’s protesters attempted to overthrow the bust of Andrew Jackson.
