The president said abuse of Old Glory will result in criminal penalties with significant consequences.
WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Aug. 25 that directs the attorney general to prosecute those caught burning the American flag or desecrating it in other ways.
“You will see flag burning stopping immediately,” Trump said. “The people in our country don’t want to see our flag burned and spit on.”
The order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to send appropriate cases to state and local authorities and to pursue charges in line with the First Amendment.
“My Administration will act to restore respect and sanctity to the American Flag and prosecute those who incite violence or otherwise violate our laws while desecrating this symbol of our country, to the fullest extent permissible under any available authority,” the order reads.
Trump’s order declares the flag “the most sacred and cherished symbol of the United States of America, and of American freedom, identity, and strength.”
The document recognizes the thousands of Americans who “fought, bled, and died to keep the Stars and Stripes waving proudly.”
Those who choose to destroy the flag are rejecting the principles on which the nation was founded, according to the president.
“Desecrating it is uniquely offensive and provocative,” the executive order reads. “It is a statement of contempt, hostility, and violence against our Nation—the clearest possible expression of opposition to the political union that preserves our rights, liberty, and security.”
Federal law enforcement officials—including Bondi, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, among others—are directed to “deny, prohibit, terminate, or revoke visas, residence permits, naturalization proceedings, and other immigration benefits, or seek removal from the United States” individuals convicted of flag desecration.
Instances of flag burning occurred during the June 2025 protests in Los Angeles after Trump mobilized the National Guard to restore order in the city.
“Such conduct disrespects the sacrifices of Americans who bled for our country and undermines the flag as a symbol that unites and represents all Americans of every background and walk of life,” the White House said in a statement.
