Trump vows to reinstate federal executions, criticizes Biden’s approach

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has strongly criticized President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the death sentences of 37 federal inmates, pledging to reinstate capital punishment upon taking office.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump described Biden’s decision as “unbelievable” and disrespectful to victims’ families. “Joe Biden has commuted the death sentences of the worst 37 murderers in our country. When you hear about the crimes they committed, you won’t believe this decision was made. This is senseless, and the families and friends of the victims are devastated. They can’t believe it,” Trump wrote.

Trump also reaffirmed his commitment to resuming federal executions, paused during Biden’s presidency. “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. We will be a Nation of Law and Order again,” he declared.

Biden, who commuted the sentences earlier this week, reduced the punishment for 37 of the 40 inmates on federal death row to life imprisonment without parole. The decision follows his administration’s ongoing moratorium on federal executions, which he announced in 2021.

In a statement explaining the move, Biden emphasized his opposition to the death penalty. “My conscience will not allow a future administration to restart executions I have stopped,” he said. The administration framed the commutations as part of an effort to create a more humane criminal justice system.

Federal executions had resumed during Trump’s presidency after a 17-year hiatus, with 13 inmates executed during his final months in office. Biden’s decision marks a stark reversal in federal policy, fueling sharp criticism from Republicans who have called for tougher measures on violent crime.