Executive Order 13933-Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal Violence
Issued 2020-06-26 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
On June 25, 2020, President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 13933, titled "Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal Violence." This executive order involves withholding, pausing, or freezing federal funds. The President stated its purpose is to "ensure domestic tranquility and defend the life, property, and rights of its citizens."
This action affects the spending of federal funds and implicates the executive branch's obligation to spend money that Congress has appropriated. The order's stated purpose relates to protecting public monuments, memorials, and statues, and addressing criminal violence. The President's reasoning for the order cites a "sustained assault on the life and property of civilians, law enforcement officers, government property, and revered American monuments."
The order matters because it involves the President withholding federal funds, which directly implicates the Impoundment Control Act of 1974. This Act was passed to prevent presidents from refusing to spend money Congress has appropriated. The Constitution grants Congress the exclusive "power of the purse," and the executive branch is legally obligated to spend funds designated by Congress. Courts have consistently held that policy disagreements do not give the President authority to unilaterally withhold these funds. This type of action frequently prompts litigation and has been struck down by federal courts, indicating that its constitutional basis is debatable.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
Executive Order 13933 ("Executive Order 13933-Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combating Recent Criminal Violence") involves withholding, pausing, or freezing federal funds. The President's stated reasoning: "domestic tranquility and defend the life, property, and rights of its citizens." This directly implicates the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which was passed specifically to prevent presidents from refusing to spend money Congress has appropriated. Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution grants Congress the exclusive "power of the purse."
When Congress passes an appropriations bill and the President signs it into law, the executive branch is legally obligated to spend those funds for their designated purpose. Courts have consistently held that policy disagreements do not give the President authority to unilaterally withhold congressionally appropriated money. This type of action frequently prompts litigation and has been struck down by federal courts.
Official Summary
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