(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday requiring federal prosecutors to investigate and prosecute people for burning the American flag, a practice the U.S. Supreme Court said was protected speech in 1989.

In his executive order on Monday, Trump said that the flag is an important symbol that should be protected.

"Over nearly two-and-a-half centuries, many thousands of American patriots have fought, bled, and died to keep the Stars and Stripes waving proudly," according to the order . "Desecrating it is uniquely offensive and provocative."

Civil liberties groups questioned the order, especially in light of the Supreme Court ruling.

The president said anyone who burns the American flag should spend a year in jail.

"You burn a flag, you get

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