Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety
Executive Order
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January 30, 2025
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Document 2025-02012

Summary
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, reinstating the federal death penalty and directing the Attorney General to aggressively pursue capital punishment for severe crimes, including those committed by illegal immigrants and against law enforcement officers. This action reverses the moratorium on federal executions imposed by the previous administration and aims to ensure that capital punishment laws are enforced, potentially leading to increased legal battles over its constitutionality and the ethical implications of its application. Politically, this move underscores a significant shift in criminal justice policy, likely sparking contentious debates among lawmakers and the public regarding its impact on public safety and justice.