Trump calls for one-year jail term for protesters torching US flags in LA, slams them as 'animals'

FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA: President Donald Trump didn’t mince words during a fiery address at Fort Bragg on Tuesday, June 10, using the occasion meant to commemorate the Army’s 250th anniversary to rail against what he described as “anti-American” protestors in Los Angeles.

Referring to demonstrators rallying against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, Trump blasted them for waving foreign flags while burning American ones, going as far as calling the protesters “animals.”

The president also floated the possibility of pushing legislation that would impose a mandatory one-year jail sentence for flag burning, Fox News reported.

Donald Trump demands jail time for protesters burning US flag

“These are animals,” Trump told the crowd of troops and veterans. “They proudly carry the flags of other countries. They don’t carry the American flag. They only burn it. Did you see a lot of the flags being burned?” he asked.

“They weren't being burned by people from our country, or from people that love our country. People that burn the American flag should go to jail for one year. We'll see if we can get that done. We're going to try and get that done. We're working with some of your senators,” Trump told an audience of military service members and families.

The president’s remarks come in the wake of his decision to deploy over 4,000 National Guard members and 700 US Marines to Los Angeles in response to recent immigration-related demonstrations, some of which turned violent.

The move has sparked fierce backlash from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who on Monday filed a lawsuit alleging federal overreach and violations of state sovereignty under the 10th Amendment.

“Come after me. Arrest me,” Newsom challenged in response to Trump’s remarks about penalizing state officials for allegedly interfering with ICE activities. “Let’s just get it over with, tough guy.”

Trump doubled down on the idea of imposing jail time for flag desecration during a podcast appearance with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine.

“I happen to think if you burn an American flag — because they were burning a lot of flags in Los Angeles — I think you go to jail for one year. Just automatic,” he said.

DOJ investigates protest funding, nine cases already open

In addition to criticizing demonstrators and state leaders, Donald Trump hinted that the federal government is actively investigating the organizations behind the protests.

“We’re going to find out through Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice who’s financing this,” he told the crowd, suggesting that foreign or politically motivated groups may be backing the unrest.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, making her first public statement since the protests began, confirmed that the DOJ has “nine open cases” connected to the demonstrations, which some Republican leaders have labeled as riots.

Bondi declared, “As President Trump said: You spit, we hit. Get ready.”

Internet weighs in as Trump vows consequences for protesters burning American flag in Los Angeles

A fiery video showing individuals burning American flags during a protest in Los Angeles has reignited a political flashpoint with President Donald Trump vowing serious consequences for what he called a “disgraceful” act. His comments sparked intense debate online.

One X user strongly agreed with Trump’s sentiment and wrote, “Not ok to burn our flag. What a disgrace! If they love their country so much, then go back & pull a stunt like this. See what happens. Don’t think any country would tolerate this. The free ride is over! We don’t want to pay for it anymore!”

Another wrote, “Finally someone's speaking up for our American flags! Can't let these rioters disrespect the country like that. Time to put America first!”

The reactions leaned heavily patriotic, with one person declaring, “Damn straight. If you burn the American flag, you should do prison time.”

“Burning an American flag should land you in jail doing hard labor,” another commented.

One individual remarked, “Proud patriots defend our flag and borders! 🇺🇸 Trump's leadership keeps America strong and safe.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.