Donald Trump Jr has started a movement to replace any statue torn down during the riots with a “new and more sturdy statue” of his father.
Protesters attempted to pull down a statue of former US president Andrew Jackson near the White House on Monday night before being dispersed by police.
It comes as Washington DC protesters toppled a statue of Confederate general Albert Pike on Juneteenth – the day marking the end of slavery in the US.
A statute of Christopher Columbus was also toppled outside the Minnesota State Capitol earlier this month.
Ten years in prison
President Trump announced that statue vandals could face up to ten years in prison if they get caught.
“I have authorised 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”, Trump said.
“This action is taken effective immediately, but may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused.
“There will be no exceptions!”
Trump statue
Wading into the debate, his son wrote on Twitter: “Want to save our monuments? Let’s get a movement going to replace any statue torn down during these riots with a new and more sturdy statue of @realDonaldTrump.
“The nonsense would stop instantly.”
Want to save our monuments?
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 23, 2020
Let’s get a movement going to replace any statue torn down during these riots with a new and more sturdy statue of @realDonaldTrump.
The nonsense would stop instantly.
The response has largely been one of disbelief.
David Weissman said: “F*ck the statues, I want cops to stop murdering black people”.
Myatt Daymun added: “Yes, monuments for a one-term President who was impeached, cheated on all 3 of his wives, and sat at the helm of a more divided country as we’ve seen in decade.”
Related: July 4th becoming like VE Day for the virus – Morgan
Since you are here
Since you are here, we wanted to ask for your help.
Journalism in Britain is under threat. The government is becoming increasingly authoritarian and our media is run by a handful of billionaires, most of whom reside overseas and all of them have strong political allegiances and financial motivations.
Our mission is to hold the powerful to account. It is vital that free media is allowed to exist to expose hypocrisy, corruption, wrongdoing and abuse of power. But we can't do it without you.
If you can afford to contribute a small donation to the site it will help us to continue our work in the best interests of the public. We only ask you to donate what you can afford, with an option to cancel your subscription at any point.
To donate or subscribe to The London Economic, click here.
The TLE shop is also now open, with all profits going to supporting our work.
The shop can be found here.
You can also SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER .
