FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Following President Joe Biden’s recent decision to commute the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to vigorously pursue capital punishment. His determination marks a sharp departure from Biden’s approach, which Trump criticized as disrespectful to the families of victims.
On December 22, Biden commuted the sentences of the condemned individuals to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This move came as part of Biden's broader goal to halt federal executions, reflecting his administration's stance against capital punishment except for specific cases, such as those involving terrorism and hate crimes.
“Joe Biden just commuted the death sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!”
Trump’s remarks not only highlight his political stance but also express concern over the psychological impact on the victims' families. The president-elect promised to direct the Justice Department to reinstate the federal death penalty as soon as he assumes office next month, signaling his administration’s commitment to what he terms “law and order.” He emphasized his intention to target what he describes as violent criminals, signaling possible expansions of federal death penalty criteria.
During his campaign, Trump consistently advocated for tougher punishments, including the death penalty for those who murder police officers or engage in human trafficking. “I will urge Congress to enact the death penalty for anyone trafficking children across our border,” he asserted during last summer's campaign video.
Political commentator and sentencing expert Douglas Berman notes, “Trump has been fairly consistent in saying he thinks the death penalty is important and wants to use it.” Yet, he cautions about the practicality of Trump’s promises, pointing out the complexity of legal pathways to enforce such policies.
While public opinion on the death penalty has shifted over the decades, with around 53% of Americans currently supporting it for murder, this figure is down from 80% support observed back in 1994, according to recent Gallup polling. Trump's desire to expand the application of capital punishment has got various reactions. Many advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), opposed Biden’s recent commutations, arguing they are necessary to curb the death penalty's use at the federal level.
“We must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level,” Biden affirmed when announcing the sentence commutations. His administration's actions faced pressure from numerous groups advocating for criminal justice reform, who feared Trump's incoming policies might reverse any progress made to limit the federal government's use of capital punishment.
Three notable individuals who remain on federal death row, and whose sentences were not commuted, include Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, convicted of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing; Dylann Roof, responsible for the murder of nine Black churchgoers at Mother Emanuel AME Church; and Robert Bowers, who killed 11 at the Tree of Life Synagogue. These cases complicate the debate, raising questions about morality and justice within the current judicial framework.
Trump’s strategic focus on these high-profile cases, such as the murders carried out by ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez and Thomas Steven Sanders, highlights his effort to rally public support against what he views as diminished accountability for reprehensible crimes. Torrez, previously sentenced to death for killing several individuals, is cited by Trump as someone who should have faced the ultimate punishment.
On Christmas day, Trump took his criticism even farther, proclaiming, “I refuse to wish a Merry Christmas to those lucky ‘souls,’ but instead will say, GO TO HELL!” indicating his strong opposition to the commutations and his commitment to reinstatement of the death penalty.
Trump's juxtaposition with Biden puts the two leaders at opposite ends of the spectrum on issues of punishment and criminal rights, defining the political discourse leading up to his inauguration. The incoming administration is likely to keep the spotlight on these contentious issues, as the political environment grows increasingly polarized.
While Biden’s commutations reflect his personal beliefs against capital punishment, Trump’s renewed focus on the death penalty aligns with his law-and-order image, seeking to galvanize support from conservative voters. The ultimate impact of these conflicting policies may set the stage for significant legal and social developments surrounding the use of capital punishment.
Trump’s initiatives will depend not only on public support but also on the cooperation of Congress, where Republicans will hold control of both chambers. Political watchers will be closely observing how the new administration navigates the complex interplay of state rights, federal authority, and capital punishment.
Supporters of the death penalty remain vigilant, advocating for tougher avenues of justice as the debate around capital punishment intensifies. For many, this issue transcends politics and digs deep layers of morality, justice, and societal values. The upcoming months are likely to witness pivotal changes as the new administration deliberates on its approach to these fierce topics.
