Following President Biden's controversial decision to commute the death sentences of 37 federal inmates to life imprisonment without parole, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to reinstate the death penalty for specific federal crimes upon his inauguration. Trump's announcement, made on Truth Social, directly countered Biden's action, which has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans and some Democrats.
Trump declared he would instruct the Justice Department "to vigorously pursue the death penalty" for violent criminals, including rapists, murderers, and individuals he described as "monsters," to ensure the safety of American families and children. He emphasized his commitment to restoring "law and order" to the nation.
The White House stated that Biden's commutations aimed to prevent the incoming Trump administration from carrying out executions under policies that are no longer in line with current practices. This justification has done little to quell the backlash against Biden's move.
Only three individuals on federal death row did not qualify for commutation under Biden's criteria: Robert Bowers, convicted of the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue shooting; Dylann Roof, responsible for the 2015 Charleston church massacre; and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of the perpetrators of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Trump's spokesman, Steven Cheung, characterized Biden's decision as disrespectful to the victims of these crimes, their families, and loved ones.
During his first term, President Trump oversaw 13 federal executions, the highest number in over a century. Upon assuming office, President Biden instituted a moratorium on federal executions, a policy now poised for reversal should Trump return to the presidency.
