Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues
Jul 2, 2020
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Jun 26, 2020
Published on: Jul 2, 2020
Jul 2, 2020
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Jun 26, 2020
Published on: Jul 2, 2020
Summary
Makes it a top priority to punish people who damage monuments and may cut funding for places that do not protect them.
What problem does this solve?
People have been damaging historical monuments and statues during protests, and some local governments have not stopped them. This order directs federal agencies to prosecute these acts and allows for cutting funds to local governments that fail to protect public property.
What does this order do?
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Enforcing laws prohibiting the desecration of public monuments, the vandalism of government property, and recent acts of violence.
Prioritizes prosecution of vandalism
Directs the Attorney General to make investigating and prosecuting the damage of monuments, memorials, and statues a top priority for the Department of Justice.
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Limiting federal grants for jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies that permit the desecration of monuments, memorials, or statues.
Withholds federal funds from certain jurisdictions
Allows federal agencies to withhold grant money from state and local governments and police agencies that fail to protect public monuments from being damaged or destroyed.
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Providing assistance for the protection of federal monuments, memorials, statues, and property.
Authorizes federal personnel for protection
Allows federal personnel from the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security to be used to help protect federal monuments and property when requested.
Enforces up to 10-year prison sentences
Reaffirms the policy to prosecute vandals under existing laws, which can carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison for willfully damaging federal property.
Who does this affect?
- State and local governments
- Law enforcement agencies
- Protestors and activists
What is the real world impact?
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Federal overreach into local policing
Uses the threat of withholding federal funds to force state and local governments to adopt specific law enforcement priorities, interfering with local decisions on how to manage protests and public safety.
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Appeals to a political base
Frames the issue as a defense of American history against 'radical' ideologies, which can rally political support from voters concerned about recent protests and social changes.
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Upholds law and order
Ensures that federal laws protecting public property, especially historical monuments and memorials, are strictly enforced to prevent vandalism and destruction during civil unrest.
When does this start?
This order became effective when it was signed on June 26, 2020, and contains one specific deadline.
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Providing assistance for the protection of federal monuments, memorials, statues, and property.
Federal protection assistance
The authority to provide federal personnel to protect monuments ends six months after the order's date, on December 26, 2020, unless the President extends it.