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DOJ Dismisses Charges Against Veteran Protesting Flag Order

3/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice moved to dismiss charges against Army veteran Jay Carey, who burned a flag in protest of President Trump's executive order on flag desecration.
Carey was arrested on August 25, 2025, and faced two misdemeanor charges unrelated to flag burning.
He argued that the executive order undermines First Amendment rights.
His lawyer called the actions a threat to free speech and a victory for constitutional protections.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. Supreme Court's 1989 ruling in Texas v. Johnson established that flag burning is protected under the First Amendment, overturning previous flag protection laws enacted in response to Vietnam War protests. Subsequent attempts to pass a Flag Protection Amendment have repeatedly failed, reflecting ongoing debates about free speech and governmental authority, as seen in recent protests against executive orders.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice moved to dismiss charges against Army veteran Jay Carey, who burned a flag in protest of President Trump's executive order on flag desecration.
Carey was arrested on August 25, 2025, and faced two misdemeanor charges unrelated to flag burning.
He argued that the executive order undermines First Amendment rights.
His lawyer called the actions a threat to free speech and a victory for constitutional protections.

1 / 2