Biden revokes Trump order to punish statue vandals

President Joe Biden has revoked a string of proclamations by Donald Trump, including an order to punish vandals who destroy monuments.

Mr Trump issued the order amid last year's social justice protests as statues were being defaced or toppled.

Mr Biden also rescinded Mr Trump's plans for a sculpture garden to honour American heroes.

And he canned a 2019 proclamation that sought to bar entry to immigrants who could not afford health insurance.

Mr Trump issued an order in June 2020 instructing the federal government "to prosecute to the fullest extent" any person "that destroys, damages, vandalizes, or desecrates a monument, memorial, or statue".

The proclamation – which singled out "rioters, arsonists and left-wing extremists" – was a popular talking point for the Republican president at his rallies.