No, this is a bridge too far. The Supremes won't let him pull this off. Free speech is too strong in the USA. As a child I understood objects such as flags, bo

No, this is a bridge too far. The Supremes won't let him pull this off. Free speech is too strong in the USA. As a child I understood objects such as flags, books (Koran, Bible, Torah, Vedas, Buddhist Canons, SICP, etc.) could be used as symbols. Some people seem to believe that burning a flag is just as good as burning what it represents. I know that's not true and indeed is laughable. But if someone believes so and they act in a way (e.g., burn a flag) that is harmless and reduces their internal stresses, then that is good. For example, if we could end all terrorism plots in the USA by letting people burn flags every week, it would be well worthwhile. Also, believers are easy to manipulate: burn or piss on a beloved symbol and they can become mindlessly enraged and persuaded to do foolish things. Trump's moves are largely symbolic: - to lock in support from those who find burning the American flag to be unpatriotic (there's lots of them), - to frighten those for whom burning the American flag is a sign of defiance or rebellion. This is a broad set of groups ranging from radical left-wingers to American Al-Queda and Intifada, - to make it clear to everyone what he feels about the issue.