Trump: Up to 10 years in the slam for anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the U.S.

“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. There will be no exceptions!”

“Numerous people arrested in D.C. for the disgraceful vandalism, in Lafayette Park, of the magnificent Statue of Andrew Jackson, in addition to the exterior defacing of St. John’s Church across the street. 10 years in prison under the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation Act. Beware!” Donald J. Trump

The Act: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Veterans’ Memorial Preservation and Recognition Act of 2003’’.
SEC. 2. CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR DESTRUCTION OF VETERANS’ MEMORIALS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 65 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘§ 1369. Destruction of veterans’ memorials

‘‘(a) Whoever, in a circumstance described in subsection (b), willfully injures or destroys, or attempts to injure or destroy, any structure, plaque, statue, or other monument on public property commemorating the service of any person or persons in the armed forces of the United States shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.

‘‘(b) A circumstance described in this subsection is that—
‘‘(1) in committing the offense described in subsection (a), the defendant travels or causes another to travel in interstate or foreign commerce, or uses the mail or an instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce; or

‘‘(2) the structure, plaque, statue, or other monument
described in subsection (a) is located on property owned by, or under the jurisdiction of, the Federal Government.’’.
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 65 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘1369. Destruction of veterans’ memorials.’’.

SEC. 3. HIGHWAY SIGNS RELATING TO VETERANS CEMETERIES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding the terms of any agreement entered into by the Secretary of Transportation and a State under section 109(d) or 402(a) of title 23, United States Code, a veterans cemetery shall be treated as a site for which a supplemental guide sign may be placed on any Federal-aid highway.

APPLICABILITY.—Subsection (a) shall apply to an agreement entered into before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Approved May 29, 2003.