Trump Orders Full Death Penalty Enforcement Washington DC

President Donald Trump signed an executive order enforcing the death penalty in Washington, D.C., aiming to deter and punish serious crimes in the nation's capital, where capital punishment had been abolished decades ago. The order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to fully apply federal death penalty laws in appropriate cases after thorough evidence review. Trump cited a significant crime reduction in D.C. following his August crime emergency order, which included a federal police surge and National Guard deployment. The president praised law enforcement efforts and framed the death penalty reinstatement as part of continued work to maintain safety. This move has been controversial, with critics arguing it may be used to suppress dissent, while supporters see it as restoring law and order. The death penalty has not been used in D.C. since 1957, and this order marks a notable policy shift under Trump's administration.