Trump says he’s authorized arrests of anyone ‘who vandalizes or destroys’ monuments

ABC News
The moon illuminates the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue Friday June. 5, 2020, in Richmond, Va. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam ordered the removal of the statue.[AP/ Steve Helber, File]

On social media Tuesday, President Donald Trump said he has authorized the federal government to "arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the U.S."

Trump also wrote the offense would be punishable with up to 10 years in prison.

"This action is taken effective immediately, but may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused. There will be no exceptions!" he wrote on Twitter on Tuesday morning.

The statement follows recent moves to take down statues and monuments of historical figures with ties to racism or slavery.