Chicago – December 27, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump has promised to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row.
Biden reduced the sentences of 37 out of 40 death row inmates to life in prison without parole, arguing that the move was in line with a moratorium on federal executions, except in cases of terrorism or mass hate crimes.
Trump criticized Biden’s decision, saying it was an insult to the victims’ families and unfair to the country. He argued that Biden’s actions made no sense and added pain for the relatives of the victims.
Trump said he would push for the death penalty for certain crimes once he takes office, including for “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He pointed to two men who had their sentences commuted by Biden, despite admitting to multiple murders.
During his campaign, Trump called for expanding the death penalty to cover crimes like killing police officers, drug trafficking, and crimes involving migrants killing U.S. citizens.
