The announcement comes after several monuments — especially of Confederate leaders — have been defaced or toppled in recent weeks
President Trump vowed Tuesday to personally intervene and prevent the destruction of historical statues amid ongoing unrest over systemic racism in America.
“I have authorized the Federal Government to arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the U. S. with up to 10 years in prison, per the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation Act, or such other laws that may be pertinent. This action is taken effective immediately, but may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused.
