Despite a Supreme Court ruling protecting flag burning as free speech, President Trump has issued an order directing the Department of Justice to prosecute anyone who desecrates the American flag, seeking to overturn the 1989 decision. The order aims to criminalize flag burning, potentially leading to a year of incarceration, contradicting the First Amendment. This directive also instructs the Secretary of State to deny visas and other benefits to foreign nationals who desecrate the flag, further restricting free speech. Legal experts have criticized the order, asserting that it cannot override the First Amendment’s protections for symbolic speech, even if offensive.
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A recent YouGov/Economist poll reveals a significant increase in strong disapproval of President Trump’s second term. The poll found that 47% of respondents strongly disapprove, compared to 23% who strongly approve, marking an 11-point increase in strong disapproval since the beginning of his term. Democrats displayed even stronger negative sentiment, with 83% strongly disapproving, while a little over half of Republican supporters strongly approved. Overall approval ratings for Trump stand at 40%, with 56% disapproval, and historical data indicates that his approval ratings are lower than those of other modern presidents at this point in their second terms.
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Amidst criticism of his administration’s actions, President Trump addressed concerns, stating that “a lot of people are saying, ‘Maybe we like a dictator.'” He also reiterated his intention to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago and signed executive orders against cashless bail and regarding flag burning. These actions have drawn criticism, with some comparing them to measures seen in countries under dictatorships, and warnings that these actions will only serve to benefit the predatory bail industry. The executive orders also included consequences for jurisdictions that maintain cashless bail systems. Public figures such as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed their concerns regarding the orders as well.
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The Trump administration has requested the Supreme Court to stay a federal judge’s order that restricted immigration agents in Los Angeles from stopping individuals based on factors like “apparent ethnicity” and language. This case centers on whether immigration agents can use such characteristics as part of the “reasonable suspicion” standard for detentions. The litigation stems from arrests at a bus stop in June, leading to a temporary restraining order by a district judge, which was then unsuccessfully challenged in the 9th Circuit. The Supreme Court is now considering whether to allow agents to continue using these factors while the lawsuit proceeds.
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President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to rename the Department of Defense back to the Department of War, as it was known before 1949. Trump cited a preference for the historical connotations and a perceived emphasis on offense. The renaming idea, previously considered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was discussed during an Oval Office event and a formal announcement is expected in the coming weeks. Critics suggest that the change could alter perceptions of the department’s role, particularly in domestic missions.
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President Trump touted the government’s new investment in Intel, expressing his enthusiasm for similar deals to benefit the U.S. economy. This recent investment, a 10% stake valued at approximately $8.9 billion, is part of a broader strategy to establish a sovereign wealth fund, according to White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett. Trump believes these deals will bring more money and jobs to America, and he signed an executive order to start such a fund. Hassett noted this move isn’t unprecedented, citing previous government involvement in private companies like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
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The upcoming posthumous memoir of Virginia Giuffre, titled “Nobody’s Girl,” is set to be published in October, promising to keep the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in the public eye. Giuffre, who committed suicide in April, claimed she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with Prince Andrew, who has denied the accusations. The memoir is expected to contain fresh details regarding her allegations against Prince Andrew and could shed light on Epstein’s relationship with Donald Trump, who also knew Epstein. Ultimately, Giuffre’s memoir is expected to offer greater honesty than the actions taken by the US government.
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President Donald Trump has publicly called ABC and NBC “the worst and most biased networks in history,” suggesting the FCC should revoke their licenses. This follows a pattern from Trump’s first term, where he frequently criticized media outlets using the term “fake news.” Trump’s remarks have sparked concerns within the industry about potential challenges to truthful reporting and access. The president’s recent actions indicate a continuation of the adversarial relationship between Trump and the media, especially as the midterm elections draw nearer.
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President Trump recently issued an executive order directing federal prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against individuals who burn the American flag during protests. This action aims to circumvent a 1989 Supreme Court decision, *Texas v. Johnson*, which protects flag burning as a form of protected political expression under the First Amendment. The order instructs the US attorney general to explore charges like disturbing the peace or environmental violations, rather than directly criminalizing flag burning. Trump has a long history of advocating for consequences for flag burning, a stance shared by a majority of Americans according to recent polling.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday prohibiting the burning of the American flag, despite the Supreme Court’s precedent in Texas v. Johnson that deems it protected symbolic speech. While acknowledging the court’s ruling, Trump asserted that flag burning incites violence and riots. The order would impose a one-year jail sentence for those who violate the ban. Newsweek reached out to the Supreme Court for comment.
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John Q. Hosedrinker