Trump Signs Order Targeting American Flag Burning, Desecration

The president said abuse of Old Glory will result in criminal penalties with significant consequences.

Attorney General Pam Bondi (L), Vice President JD Vance (2nd L), Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (2nd R) and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (R) look on as President Donald Trump (C) speaks to the press before signing an executive order that aims to end cashless bail, in the Oval Office of the White House, on Aug. 25, 2025. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

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.”