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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In newly released interview audio, Ghislaine Maxwell praised former President Donald Trump, describing him as “cordial” and “kind.” However, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie dismissed Maxwell’s comments as insincere, suggesting they were an attempt to curry favor and potentially secure a pardon. Maxwell’s statements came during interviews related to her conviction for procuring young girls for sexual abuse by Jeffrey Epstein, with whom Trump had a past relationship. This situation has fueled speculation regarding Trump’s connection to Epstein, as well as the potential contents of the Epstein files, which are now under investigation.
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The Trump administration is accused of systematically dismantling the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by favoring privatization, staff cuts, and contract cancellations, thereby breaking the nation’s promise to veterans. This approach is evident in the significant increase in funding for private “community care,” while simultaneously reducing the VA’s internal resources, resulting in job losses and service shortages. These actions directly contradict the PACT Act, which was designed to support veterans exposed to toxic substances during service. The cumulative effect of these changes is a weakened VA system, potentially leading to a fragmented healthcare system that may not adequately meet the needs of veterans.
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President Trump signed executive orders aimed at eliminating cashless bail in Washington, D.C. and other jurisdictions, with the D.C. order potentially impacting federal funding and directing the Attorney General to take action if the city does not change its policy. Another executive order seeks to find federal funds that could be suspended or terminated in jurisdictions with cashless bail policies. These actions reflect Trump’s broader efforts to exert control over the capital, a departure from previous administrations. The executive order also included an order to prosecute people who desecrate the American flag.
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Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, clarified that Islamabad, contrary to former US President Donald Trump’s claims, did not request US mediation for a ceasefire with India during Operation Sindoor. Dar stated Pakistan itself initiated the ceasefire request after incurring losses during the Indian offensive. While Pakistan expresses willingness for comprehensive talks with India, including on Kashmir, India maintains that talks cannot proceed until Pakistan dismantles terror infrastructure and ends cross-border attacks. Despite repeated denials from India, Trump has claimed credit for brokering peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, even after India launched Operation Sindoor after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
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Initially, Gavin Newsom attempted a conciliatory approach towards Donald Trump, but the governor has since adopted a more confrontational stance. Newsom has launched aggressive tactics, including a redistricting proposal aimed at countering Republican advantages and taking on Trump’s strategies. The California governor is employing social media provocations and legal challenges, while also portraying himself as a political fighter. This shift is viewed as a high-stakes move to determine control of Congress and potentially shape Newsom’s own political future.
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According to a source close to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Trump administration is planning to remove the COVID vaccine from the U.S. market “within months.” Dr. Aseem Malhotra, an advisor to the Make America Healthy Again Action group, stated that this decision is supported by “influential” members of Trump’s family and is based on concerns regarding vaccine injuries. This move is expected to be implemented in stages, potentially pending further research and could create legal and public health issues. This plan is spurred by a peer-reviewed paper that suggests mRNA vaccines carry a higher risk of adverse events, however, many members of the medical community disagree with its findings.
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The recent deployment of federal troops in Washington, D.C., and Trump’s potential expansion to other cities, including Chicago, reflects a militarized approach to law enforcement. Despite no clear need for heavy military vehicles, as evidenced by a red-light-running incident involving an armored vehicle, the occupation has been met with significant opposition from residents who cite concerns about safety and a lack of focus on actual crime. Moreover, the administration’s actions, such as the arrest of an individual for public marijuana use, while also seemingly prioritizing aesthetic changes over effective solutions, and threats of further federal control, have raised questions about the motivations behind this approach. As such, officials in other cities, like Chicago, are already pushing back against these threats, viewing them as a power grab rather than a legitimate effort to improve safety.
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Chicago officials, including Mayor Johnson, are strongly opposing potential federal intervention, including military deployment, in the city, emphasizing that they haven’t requested assistance and that crime rates are actually declining. This opposition comes in response to former President Trump’s suggestion of intervening in Chicago, echoing previous actions in other cities like Los Angeles. Illinois leaders, alongside the mayor, have emphasized their intention to pursue legal action if necessary, citing the Tenth Amendment to limit federal authority. The Trump administration had previously invoked Title 10 of the federal code to justify troop deployments elsewhere despite state objections.
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John Q. Hosedrinker