Trump's Stance on Death Penalty: A Shift?

President-elect Donald Trump has taken aim at President Joe Biden’s decision to convert most federal death row sentences to life imprisonment. In a recent statement, Trump promised to "vigorously pursue" capital punishment once he takes office. Biden’s move was part of a broader moratorium on federal executions, excluding cases of terrorism and hate crimes. Trump argues that the commutations were senseless and disrespectful to victims' families. He plans to direct the Justice Department to seek the death penalty in cases involving "violent rapists, murderers, and monsters." However, experts like Douglas Berman question if this is more rhetoric than real change. The death penalty has seen declining support among Americans, and most executions are handled at the state level. Trump's stance could potentially challenge Supreme Court precedents on capital punishment, but such changes would take time.