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“We Took the Freedom of Speech Away”: Donald Trump Revives Debate Over Flag Burning and the First Amendment

In a bold new statement, Donald Trump insists that flag burning should not be protected under the First Amendment, reigniting a decades-old constitutional debate already settled by the U.S. Supreme Court

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Donald Trump Sparks Debate Over Flag Burning and First Amendment Rights | Daily Global Diary
Donald Trump speaks at a recent roundtable, reigniting debate over flag burning and free speech under the First Amendment.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again sparked national debate — this time over one of America’s most sacred constitutional protections.

During a recent roundtable discussion, Trump revisited his long-standing belief that flag burning should not be considered protected free speech, declaring, “We took the freedom of speech away when it comes to that. You don’t burn the American flag.”

His remarks directly contradict decades of Supreme Court precedent affirming that burning the American flag, while deeply offensive to many, remains a form of symbolic expression safeguarded by the First Amendment.

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“You can’t have people burning the flag of this country and then say it’s freedom of speech,” Trump added. “That’s not speech — that’s disrespect.”

A Familiar Trump Controversy Returns

This isn’t the first time Trump has made such remarks. As president, he frequently criticized the court’s 1989 decision in Texas v. Johnson, which held that flag burning is protected political expression.

That landmark 5–4 ruling came after protester Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag outside the 1984 Republican National Convention in Dallas — an act the Court said fell under free expression.

Yet Trump has continued to challenge that view. During his presidency, he even suggested potential penalties, saying flag burners should “face consequences, maybe even jail time or loss of citizenship.”

At the time, Justice Anthony Kennedy, who voted with the majority in the Texas v. Johnson case, wrote, “It is poignant but fundamental that the flag protects those who hold it in contempt.”

Trump, however, has long argued that respect for the flag should outweigh such constitutional nuances.

Reactions From Both Sides of the Aisle

Trump’s latest statement drew mixed reactions across social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter).

Supporters applauded his stance as patriotic and necessary in an age of cultural division. One user wrote, “Finally someone said it. The flag isn’t just a piece of cloth — it’s our nation’s soul.”

Critics, however, accused Trump of once again undermining constitutional principles for political gain.

Donald Trump Sparks Debate Over Flag Burning and First Amendment Rights | Daily Global Diary


ACLU legal director David Cole told reporters, “The Supreme Court has made it abundantly clear that the government cannot prohibit expression simply because society finds it offensive.”

Others warned that restricting flag burning could open the door to broader censorship. “If we start making exceptions to free speech because we dislike it, we lose the core of democracy,” wrote one legal scholar at Harvard Law School.

Trump’s Broader Message: Patriotism Over Politics

Despite criticism, Trump framed his comments as a defense of patriotism rather than an assault on liberty.

“People have died for that flag,” he said. “We honor them by protecting it, not by setting it on fire.”

His remarks echo the populist rhetoric that has defined his political career — positioning himself as a defender of national values against what he often portrays as elite or un-American attitudes.

This strategy continues to resonate with many conservative voters, especially veterans and working-class Americans who view flag burning as an unforgivable act of disrespect.

The Legal Reality

While Trump’s statement drew cheers from some corners, constitutional experts quickly pointed out that his proposal would face steep legal hurdles.

The U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed the right to burn the flag in the 1990 case United States v. Eichman, striking down a federal law banning flag desecration.

Even conservative justices have largely supported the principle, emphasizing that freedom of expression must extend even to unpopular or offensive acts.

However, Trump’s influence continues to shape how Americans interpret patriotism, loyalty, and constitutional freedoms — often blending emotional nationalism with legal gray areas.

What Comes Next?

With Trump once again commanding headlines as a leading 2025 political figure, his comments have reignited cultural tensions that have simmered for years.

Political analysts suggest that this latest controversy could energize his base ahead of key campaign events, appealing to voters who prioritize traditional symbols of American pride.

Still, constitutional purists warn that such rhetoric risks eroding the very freedoms the flag represents.

As Justice Kennedy once wrote, “The flag symbolizes freedom, and that freedom includes the right to burn it.”

Trump’s supporters might disagree — but in the end, that disagreement itself is what defines the First Amendment.

Politics

Trump Announces Donald Trump Jr.’s Engagement at White House Holiday Party

President reveals his eldest son’s engagement to Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson during festive White House gathering

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Trump Announces Donald Trump Jr.’s Engagement at White House Holiday Event
Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson, whose engagement was announced at a White House holiday party

President Donald Trump announced on Monday night that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., is engaged, using a White House holiday party to share the family news. The engagement was later confirmed by a spokesperson for Trump Jr., who said the proposal took place over the weekend.

Trump Jr. is engaged to Bettina Anderson, a Palm Beach socialite who has drawn public attention over the past year as speculation about their relationship grew during the president’s election campaign.

The announcement, made in front of guests at the White House, immediately brought renewed focus to the couple, whose appearances together had previously fueled tabloid and political chatter.

Proposal confirmed, reaction shared online

A video of the moment, shared on social media by Trump ally Laura Loomer, captured Trump Jr. speaking shortly after the announcement.

Trump Announces Donald Trump Jr.’s Engagement at White House Holiday Event


“I’m not usually at a loss for words, because I’m usually doing the ranting and raving really well,” Trump Jr. said in the clip. “I want to thank Bettina for that one word: ‘Yes.’”

A spokesperson later confirmed that Trump Jr. proposed to Anderson over the weekend.

A relationship that gained public attention

Trump Jr. and Anderson were first seen together publicly earlier this year during a Trump family trip to Scotland, where they joined the president for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a new golf course and attended an event announcing a trade deal.

Anderson, who maintains an active social media presence, has described herself with characteristic humor in her Instagram bio as:
“Just your typical stay at home mom … only I don’t do household chores … or have a husband … or have kids.”

Trump Jr.’s previous marriages and engagements

Donald Trump Jr. has been married before. He proposed to his first wife, Vanessa Trump, in 2004, and the couple were married at Mar-a-Lago in 2005. Vanessa Trump filed for divorce in 2018 after more than a decade of marriage.

Trump Announces Donald Trump Jr.’s Engagement at White House Holiday Event


He was also previously engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News personality who later served as finance chair of the Trump campaign during the 2020 presidential race.

Despite their breakup, Guilfoyle has remained close to the Trump family. During the period of speculation surrounding Trump Jr.’s relationship with Anderson, then president-elect Trump named Guilfoyle as his choice for US ambassador to Greece, a role she currently holds.

Family moment at the White House

The engagement announcement added a personal note to the White House holiday celebrations, blending family milestones with the traditional end-of-year festivities.

While no wedding details have been released, the public confirmation marks a new chapter for Trump Jr., whose personal life has often played out in the public eye alongside his prominent political role and frequent media appearances.

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Donald Trump Jr. announces engagement at the White House… “I want to thank Bettina for one word: Yes”

From a quiet Palm Beach romance to a surprise White House moment, Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson make it official

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Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson announce engagement at the White House
Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson attend a gala in Palm Beach months before announcing their engagement

In a moment that blended politics, family, and personal celebration, Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson have announced their engagement — and the setting made it even more symbolic.

The news was revealed on December 15 at the White House, with President Donald Trump himself sharing the announcement publicly. A short video of the moment, later circulated on X, captured Donald Trump Jr. struggling — unusually — to find the right words.

“I’m not usually at a loss for words, because I’m usually doing the ranting and raving really well,” Trump Jr. said with a smile. “I want to thank Bettina for that one word: ‘Yes.’”

(Donald Trump Jr.)
(Donald Trump)

Standing beside him, Anderson appeared visibly emotional as she shared her own reaction.

“This has been the most unforgettable weekend,” she said. “I get to marry the love of my life, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.”

From low-key beginnings to center stage

The couple’s relationship first came into public view in August 2024, when they were spotted together at a brunch in Palm Beach, Florida. At the time, the pairing raised eyebrows, as Trump Jr. was still publicly linked to Kimberly Guilfoyle.

By December 2024, sources confirmed that Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle had quietly parted ways, ending an engagement that began in 2020. Shortly afterward, Trump Jr. and Anderson’s relationship became more visible — and increasingly serious.

(Kimberly Guilfoyle)

Anderson joined Trump Jr. for key family moments, including New Year’s Eve at Mar-a-Lago and President Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, signaling her growing role within the Trump family circle.

AA1SqmaL Daily Global Diary - Authentic Global News


(Mar-a-Lago)

A new chapter after a long personal journey

Donald Trump Jr., 47, was previously married to Vanessa Trump, with whom he shares five children — Kai, Donald III, Tristan, Spencer, and Chloe. The couple divorced in 2018 after 12 years of marriage.

(Vanessa Trump)

Sources close to the family have described Anderson as a stabilizing presence in Trump Jr.’s life, noting that the relationship developed gradually but with clear intention. One insider previously told PEOPLE that the two “could go the distance.”

Who is Bettina Anderson?

Bettina Anderson is no stranger to high-profile circles, but her public identity extends well beyond society events. She is the daughter of philanthropists Harry Loy Anderson Jr. and Inger Anderson, and is deeply involved in charitable and advocacy work.

(Bettina Anderson )
(Hope for Depression Research Foundation)

She is a prominent supporter of the Hope for Depression Research Foundation, founded by Audrey Gruss, and is actively involved in Project Paradise, a Florida-based conservation initiative. Anderson also volunteers weekly with the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, reflecting a long-term commitment to education and community development.

What comes next

While no wedding date has been announced, the engagement marks a significant new chapter for both Trump Jr. and Anderson — one that has unfolded under intense public scrutiny but appears grounded in mutual admiration and shared values.

For now, the couple has asked for privacy as they celebrate the milestone. But with a White House announcement and a presidential seal hovering over their engagement story, one thing is certain: this will remain one of the most talked-about political-society unions of the year.

For more Update – DAILYGLOBALDIARY

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“Egg on Their Face”: DOJ’s Failed Trump Revenge Prosecutions Trigger Legal Embarrassment

From dismissed indictments to grand jury rejections, the Justice Department’s attempts to prosecute Trump critics have unraveled in dramatic fashion

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“Egg on Their Face”: DOJ’s Failed Trump Revenge Prosecutions Trigger Legal Embarrassment
The U.S. Department of Justice faces mounting criticism after repeated legal failures in high-profile Trump-linked prosecutions

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is facing growing scrutiny and embarrassment after a string of high-profile failures tied to attempts to prosecute critics of President Donald Trump. What was meant to project strength and accountability has instead exposed deep cracks in federal prosecution strategy, according to legal experts and former prosecutors.

In a sequence of setbacks rarely seen in modern federal law enforcement, the DOJ has suffered dismissed indictments, blocked evidence, and, most strikingly, two federal grand juries refusing to indict one of its key targets — New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The most damaging blow came on December 11, when a second grand jury declined to issue charges against James, just days after another grand jury rejected the same effort. Her attorney, Abbe Lowell, called the outcome “unprecedented,” a sentiment echoed by multiple former federal prosecutors.

“Egg on Their Face”: DOJ’s Failed Trump Revenge Prosecutions Trigger Legal Embarrassment


Earlier indictments against both James and former FBI Director James Comey were thrown out after a federal judge ruled that the special prosecutor who brought the cases, Lindsey Halligan, had been unlawfully appointed. Adding to the DOJ’s woes, a judge also blocked prosecutors from using key evidence against Comey, citing possible constitutional violations.

“This is an embarrassment,” said Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor. “The last thing you want to be as a prosecutor is to be on the defensive — and that’s exactly what’s happening here.”

Trump’s Longstanding Vendettas

Trump’s hostility toward both Comey and James dates back years. He fired Comey in 2017 while the FBI was investigating potential links between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. James later sued Trump in 2022 for civil fraud related to his real estate business, a case that deeply angered the former president.

In a September 20 social media post, Trump openly called for the prosecution of Comey, James, and Sen. Adam Schiff of California. While investigations were launched, results have been deeply underwhelming.

An NBC News report revealed that the DOJ’s investigation into Schiff has stalled entirely, with internal probes reportedly underway to examine how the case was mishandled. The DOJ has declined to comment on its performance in these matters.

Loyalty Over Experience

According to multiple reports, career prosecutors — including the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia — had previously concluded the evidence against James and Comey was too weak to sustain charges. Trump publicly criticized and fired the U.S. attorney, later urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to appoint Lindsey Halligan, his former personal lawyer, despite her lack of prosecutorial experience.

Bondi acted swiftly, and Halligan secured indictments against both Comey and James. But the cases quickly collapsed.

In Comey’s case, Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick described a “disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps,” including possible violations of the Fourth Amendment. Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, a Clinton appointee, ultimately dismissed all charges after ruling Halligan’s appointment unlawful.

“The prosecutions haven’t amounted to much in court,” said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond. “Except to harass them — which may have been the point.”

Grand Jury Rejections: A Rare Humiliation

Perhaps the most humiliating moment for the DOJ came when two separate grand juries rejected efforts to re-indict Letitia James. Legal experts stress how extraordinary this is.

Former federal prosecutor Mitchell Epner said he sought hundreds of indictments in his career and failed only once. “To go before two grand juries in a week and fail both times is humiliating and a repudiation of the prosecution,” he said.

Barbara McQuade, former U.S. attorney under President Barack Obama, was even more blunt:
“When prosecutors are selected based on loyalty rather than experience and integrity, this is the sort of garbage we can expect.”

“Egg on Their Face”: DOJ’s Failed Trump Revenge Prosecutions Trigger Legal Embarrassment


Comey Case Still on Shaky Ground

The DOJ has suggested it may try to re-indict Comey, but significant hurdles remain. A federal judge has temporarily blocked prosecutors from using key evidence obtained during a separate 2017 investigation, ruling it may have been seized unconstitutionally.

Even if that hurdle is cleared, prosecutors face another problem: time. The original indictment was issued just days before the statute of limitations expired. Comey’s defense team argues that because the indictment was void, the government cannot rely on the usual six-month extension for refiling charges.

“The DOJ — and Halligan in particular — have egg on their face,” Rahmani said. “These are massive failures by the Justice Department.”

A Pattern of Collapse

What emerges from this saga is not just a legal defeat, but a broader institutional reckoning. From judicial rebukes to grand jury resistance, the DOJ’s efforts against Trump’s perceived enemies have collapsed under scrutiny.

Instead of delivering accountability, the prosecutions have raised uncomfortable questions about politicization, competence, and abuse of power — questions that now hang heavily over the Justice Department itself.

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