Trump Criticizes Biden’s Decision to Commute Federal Death Sentences
Donald Trump took aim at Joe Biden on Tuesday following the president’s decision to commute the sentences of nearly all federal death row inmates. As Biden prepares to leave office, the move has sparked heated debate.
In a significant announcement on Monday, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal prisoners awaiting execution, replacing their death penalties with life imprisonment without parole. Among those spared were individuals convicted of heinous crimes, including murders during bank robberies, the killing of a prison guard, and other violent acts.
Reacting to the news, Trump expressed his outrage on Truth Social, writing, “Joe Biden just commuted the death sentence of 37 of the worst killers in our country. When you hear what they’ve done, you won’t believe this decision. It makes no sense, and families of the victims are devastated.”
Biden, who had previously placed a moratorium on federal executions, faced mounting pressure to take further action before stepping down on January 20. His decision appears to reflect his broader opposition to the death penalty, despite criticism from Republicans and victims’ families.
Three inmates were notably excluded from Biden’s commutations: one of the Boston Marathon bombers, the shooter responsible for killing 11 Jewish worshippers in a synagogue in 2018, and the white supremacist who murdered nine Black churchgoers in South Carolina in 2015.
Defending his decision, Biden acknowledged the gravity of the crimes while reiterating his stance on capital punishment. “I condemn these murderers, grieve for their victims, and mourn alongside the families who’ve endured unimaginable pain,” Biden said on Monday.
He continued, “But guided by my conscience and personal experience, I believe the federal death penalty must end. I cannot allow a new administration to resume the executions I halted. We must take a stand.”
With Trump signaling his intention to reinstate federal executions if re-elected, Biden’s decision underscores the sharp divide between the two leaders on this deeply polarizing issue.
