In response to anti-Israel protests concerning the war in Gaza outside Union Station in Washington, D.C., which included the burning of an American flag, former President Trump proposed a one-year prison sentence for individuals who desecrate the American flag.
Trump, who has previously advocated for the criminalization of flag burning, ridiculed those who point out that it is not unlawful to do so.
“You should get a one-year jail sentence if you do anything to desecrate the American flag,” Trump said on Wednesday during an appearance on “Fox & Friends.”
“Now, people will say, ‘Oh, it’s unconstitutional.’ Those are stupid people. Those are stupid people that say that. We have to work in Congress to get a one-year jail sentence. When they’re allowed to stomp on the flag and put lighter fluid on the flag and set it afire, when you’re allowed to do that — you get a one-year jail sentence, and you’ll never see it again.” he continued.
Trump on Fox & Friends: "I think you should get a one year jail sentence if you do anything to desecrate the American flag. Now, people will say, "Oh, it's unconstitutional.' Those are stupid people. Those are stupid people that say that." pic.twitter.com/cW5Pkj0D0U
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 25, 2024
The radical demonstrations outside Union Station on Wednesday have been condemned by both Republicans and Democrats.
Meanwhile, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed members of Congress in the U.S. Capitol about his country’s ongoing conflict with Hamas, which is located just down the street.
Protesters removed an American flag and replaced it with a Palestinian flag at Union station in Washington D.C. The U.S. flag was also briefly set on fire before being retrieved by an individual who entered the throng.
According to the D.C. Metropolitan Police, six protestors were apprehended at the location.
I fought and bled for the American Flag. My friends lost their lives in battle for the American Flag. And when they came home, the American Flag was draped over their caskets.
Yet, the people Kamala Harris is courting burn the American Flag. Shame on them. pic.twitter.com/8q742ZS3Ut
— Rep. Brian Mast (@RepBrianMast) July 24, 2024
Another five demonstrators were apprehended while marching on Constitution Avenue, and at least five were apprehended in the House gallery during Netanyahu’s speech.
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