If Donald Trump had one prevailing commitment before he resumed office for his second term, it was to efficiently deliver on the promises that earned him the presidency.
Thus, it is no surprise that Trump, who took office on Monday, January 20, has quickly set in motion a series of executive orders.
Earlier this week, the 78-year-old, who previously served as president from 2017 to 2021, was officially sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. Much could be said about Trump’s approach and policies, but one thing is clear: he is not resting on his laurels.
Among the many executive orders signed is a significant one concerning the death penalty, bypassing the need for congressional approval.
Federal executions had been paused since the Biden administration took over in 2021. Under former President Joe Biden, 37 death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, leaving only three prisoners on federal execution row.
However, Trump’s recent executive order criticized his predecessor for “commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 most vile and sadistic rapists, child molesters, and murderers on Federal death row: remorseless criminals who brutalized young children, strangled and drowned their victims, and hunted strangers for sport.”
According to Trump’s latest directive, “Capital punishment is an essential tool for deterring and punishing those who commit the most heinous crimes and acts of lethal violence against American citizens.” It should be noted that during Trump’s first term in office (2017-2021), his administration carried out 13 federal executions, the highest number by any president in recent history.
In Trump’s view regarding the death penalty, “Our cities, states, and nation have consistently relied upon the death penalty as the ultimate deterrent and only appropriate punishment for the vilest crimes before, during, and after the founding of the United States.”
He continues, “Our Founders knew that the only way to resolve such injustice and restore justice is via the death penalty. For these and other reasons, the public still greatly supports the death penalty.”
Yet for far too long, he argues, certain politicians and judges opposed to capital punishment have disregarded the nation’s laws. “At every opportunity, they strive to block the execution of lawfully imposed capital sentences and opt to impose their personal beliefs over the law,” Trump asserts.
He further states, “Safeguarding its citizens from horrific atrocities is the government’s most sacred duty. Attempts to hinder or disrupt laws facilitating the death penalty for those who commit gruesome acts of violence against American citizens will not be tolerated by my Administration.”
The directive also instructs the Attorney General to “take all necessary and lawful actions to ensure that each state permitting the death penalty has ample medications needed for lethal injections,” according to reports.
Additionally included in the suite of signed executive orders are policies recognizing only “two genders,” a move to withdraw from the World Health Organisation, pardons for many involved in the January 2021 Capitol insurrection, a proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America (though this will not alter its global name), and a policy defining drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
Trump’s actions reflect a vigorous start to his term, and as critics and supporters alike observe the implications of these orders, the nation remains attentive to the unfolding approach of the new Administration.
