President-elect Donald Trump vows to reinstate federal executions, challenging Biden’s commutation of death sentences for most federal death row inmates.
At a Glance
- Biden commuted sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates to life in prison without parole
- Trump criticized Biden’s decision, promising to reinstate and pursue federal executions once in office
- Trump plans to target “rapists, murderers, and monsters” with the death penalty
- Public support for the death penalty has decreased from 80% in 1994 to 53% in 2024
- Biden’s decision aligns with his administration’s moratorium on federal executions, except in cases of terrorism or hate-driven mass murder
Trump’s Criticism and Promise
President-elect Donald Trump has strongly criticized outgoing President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the sentences of most federal death row inmates. Trump’s response highlights a significant divergence in criminal justice policy between the two leaders. In a statement that has garnered significant attention, Trump did not mince words in his condemnation of Biden’s action.
“Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our country. When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Donald Trump said.
Trump’s criticism extends beyond mere disagreement, as he has promised to reinstate and actively pursue federal executions once he assumes office. This stance aligns with his previous support for capital punishment and his administration’s record of resuming federal executions during his first term.
Biden’s Decision and Rationale
Biden’s decision to commute the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates to life in prison without parole is a significant move that aligns with his administration’s moratorium on federal executions. This action excludes cases involving terrorism or hate-driven mass murder. Biden explained his decision, citing his conscience and experience in public service as guiding factors.
“Today, I am commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 individuals on federal death row to life sentences without the possibility of parole,” Biden said.
The President further elaborated on his stance, emphasizing his opposition to the death penalty while acknowledging the gravity of the crimes committed. Biden’s decision left three federal inmates on death row: Dylann Roof, Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and Robert Bowers, responsible for the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting.
President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions.https://t.co/mg0XcrXwSM
— PBS News (@NewsHour) December 25, 2024
The debate over capital punishment continues to be a contentious issue in American politics. Public support for the death penalty has seen a significant decline over the past three decades, dropping from 80% in 1994 to 53% in 2024. This shift in public opinion provides context for the divergent approaches of Trump and Biden on this issue.
Trump’s promise to reinstate federal executions and his focus on targeting “rapists, murderers, and monsters” with the death penalty resonates with his base and aligns with his “law and order” messaging. However, some experts suggest that implementing such changes could be challenging under existing laws.
I guess we’ll see!
