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Donald Trump, the elected president of the United States, announced that upon taking office, he will instruct the Department of Justice to seek the death penalty in cases of violent crimes, marking a radical shift from the recent clemency measures adopted by the current president, Joe Biden.
The statement, published on his Truth Social account, came just one day after Joe commuted the sentences of nearly all federal death row inmates, with only three exceptional cases remaining: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the perpetrator of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing; Robert Bowers, who was responsible for the attack on the Tree of Life synagogue; and Dylann Roof, convicted of the 2015 shooting at the Mother Emanuel AME Church.
"I will protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters," Trump stated, emphasizing that his administration will seek the maximum penalty for qualifying crimes.
Biden, for his part, justified his decision by arguing that the United States should limit the use of the death penalty at the federal level only to cases of terrorism and hate crimes that result in mass murders.
Since the beginning of his term, the Democrat has imposed a moratorium on federal executions, and the recent commutations aim to reinforce this position, making it more challenging for a future government to reinstate these penalties on a widespread basis.
Although Trump will not be able to reverse the commutations already granted by Biden, the Republican has made it clear that his administration will adopt a strong stance against crime, marking a significant contrast with the policy of the current Democratic government.
The entrepreneur's promise, set against a backdrop of divisions regarding the death penalty, ignites a debate on the application of this measure in a country where criminal policies often serve as a central issue during electoral cycles.
In October, while campaigning, Trump reiterated his proposal to impose the death penalty on immigrants who kill U.S. citizens or law enforcement officers.
"I request the death penalty for any immigrant who kills an American citizen or a law enforcement officer," he stated during a rally in the city of Reno, Nevada.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Death Penalty and Donald Trump's Policies
What changes does Donald Trump plan to implement regarding the death penalty?
Donald Trump plans to instruct the Department of Justice to "vigorously" seek the death penalty in cases of violent crimes, setting a stark contrast with the clemency measures implemented by Joe Biden.
How does Trump's stance on the death penalty contrast with Biden's policies?
Trump seeks a strong policy in favor of the death penalty for violent crimes, while Biden has commuted death sentences and imposed a moratorium on federal executions, limiting their use to exceptional cases such as terrorism and hate-motivated mass murders.
What does Trump propose regarding the death penalty for immigrants who commit serious crimes?
Trump has proposed applying the death penalty to immigrants who murder U.S. citizens or law enforcement officers. This proposal is part of his stricter approach to immigration and national security.
Why did Biden commute the sentences of 37 death row inmates?
Biden commuted the sentences as part of his stance against the death penalty, aiming to move towards a judicial system that prioritizes rehabilitation and equity, except in exceptional cases of terrorism and mass hate crimes.
What impact could Trump's policies have on the death penalty within the U.S. judicial system?
Trump's policies could lead to a broader reactivation of the death penalty, in contrast to Biden's moratorium and commutations, sparking a debate on the implementation of this measure in a country where criminal justice policies are a central issue in election cycles.
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