Executive Order on Protecting Monuments, Memorials, and Statues
Executive Order 13933 was signed on June 26, 2020, directing federal agencies to enforce existing laws against the destruction of federal monuments and statues, and directing the Department of Justice to prosecute vandalism of public property. The order established that agencies must protect monuments on federal property and directed law enforcement to address property damage during protests. The confirmed direct impact included increased federal prosecution of individuals who damaged or removed statues and monuments, particularly during 2020 civil unrest.