is it illegal to burn the american flag

Burning the American flag is generally legal in the United States as it is considered symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment. The Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. Johnson (1989) that flag burning as a form of political protest is protected expressive conduct under the Constitution. However, there are restrictions on flag burning related to public safety laws, such as prohibitions against open flames in certain public places. Recently, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to prosecute flag desecration cases that involve violation of other laws, such as violent crimes or hate crimes, or that incite imminent unlawful behavior. Despite this order, the core Supreme Court decision still protects flag burning as free speech unless it falls into these narrower exceptions. The United States Flag Code also suggests that burning is a preferred method for the dignified disposal of worn and damaged flags, distinct from acts of protest burning.