President-elect Donald Trump has made headlines once again with his strong statements about the death penalty, particularly following outgoing President Joe Biden's decision to commute the sentences of nearly all inmates on federal death row. On December 24, 2023, Trump declared his intention to direct the Justice Department to ‘vigorously pursue the death penalty’ as soon as he assumes office, claiming it is necessary to protect American families from ‘violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.’
Trump's declaration came just one day after Biden announced he would commute the sentences of 37 federal inmates, reducing their sentences to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This move has drawn significant attention and controversy, as Biden asserted, ‘I could not allow the new administration to restart executions.’ His stance was rooted deeply in his opposition to capital punishment, something he emphasized during his presidential run.
The backdrop for this heated exchange lies not only within political rhetoric but also reflects changing attitudes toward capital punishment among the American public. According to Gallup polling, support for the death penalty has seen a marked decline—from 80% approval in 1994 to just 53% approval by 2024. Meanwhile, opposition has grown, climbing from 16% to 43% over the same period. This shift raises questions about the cultural and political viability of such policies.
During his previous term, Trump oversaw what became the most aggressive use of the death penalty by federal authorities since the 1950s, with 13 federal executions taking place. His remarks echo his long-standing commitment to law and order, reinforcing his image as a decisive leader against violent crime. 'We will be a Nation of Law and Order again!' Trump asserted on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Among the three remaining individuals on federal death row, who will not benefit from Biden’s commutations, are the notorious Dylann Roof, who murdered nine Black congregants at the Mother Emanuel AME Church, the Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and Robert Bowers, responsible for the massacre of 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life Synagogue. The families of these victims have expressed mixed feelings about Biden's decision. Heather Turner, whose mother was killed during a bank robbery, stated, ‘The pain and trauma we have endured over the last 7 years has been indescribable,’ voicing her anger over the commutation of death sentences.
Reverend Sharon Risher, who lost family members to Roof's attack, criticized Biden's failure to extend commutations to all those facing the death penalty, saying, ‘You can’t rank victims, Mr President.’ Her plea emphasizes the emotional turmoil surrounding discussions of the death penalty, particularly for those families affected by violent crime.
Critics of the death penalty highlight the ethical and practical concerns associated with capital punishment, including the possibility of wrongful executions and the irreversible nature of the penalty. Trump’s administration has been characterized by calls for more extreme measures against drug dealers and undocumented immigrants as well. Trump has mentioned wanting drug dealers to face the death penalty, stating, ‘We will be asking everyone who sells drugs, gets caught selling drugs, to receive the death penalty for their heinous acts.’ His call for reinstated enforcement for undocumented immigrants connected to violent crimes is also troubling for many immigrant rights groups, who argue this perpetuates harmful stereotypes and overlooks the majority of immigrant contributions to society.
The political ramifications of Trump’s stance are significant, as he marches forward with promises made during his campaign—ones marked by the same tough-on-crime rhetoric he favored previously. Many supporters view the death penalty as a means of providing closure for victims' families and deterring future criminals, even though studies have questioned the deterrent effect of capital punishment.
Biden’s clemency decisions, on the other hand, cannot be reversed by Trump when he takes office. This means the debate over capital punishment will play out on the national stage, with strong sentiments on both sides. While supporters cheer on Trump’s commitment to law and order, opponents fear the perpetuation of systemic issues within the justice system, including racial disparities and the potential for wrongful executions.
What's clear is this issue is far from settled. With Trump's upcoming inauguration, the Department of Justice may once again prioritize capital punishment as part of the nation's response to crime. The stark differences between Biden’s approach and Trump’s stance signal not just two contrasting political philosophies, but also the continued divide among Americans about the use of the death penalty and its role within society.
