United States President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to reinstate the death penalty for violent offenders, including rapists and murderers, once he takes office on January 20.
In a statement made on Tuesday, Trump pledged to direct his Justice Department to pursue the death penalty actively, emphasising its necessity to safeguard American families and children.
The announcement came as a response to President Joe Biden’s recent decision to commute the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates, converting their penalties to life imprisonment without parole.
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Trump criticised Biden’s action, declaring on his Truth Social platform, “As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.”
This decision highlights a significant contrast in criminal justice policies between the two leaders. Biden, who opposed the death penalty during his campaign, halted federal executions after taking office in January 2021 and has since made additional efforts to end the practice.
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