Trump enacts death penalty for major offenses in new executive order
Trump signs an executive order on the death penalty for serious crimes (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The US has introduced the possibility of applying the death penalty for crimes committed in the District of Columbia, where the capital, Washington, is located. The administration’s executive order aims to strengthen preventive protection for citizens and reduce the incidence of serious crimes, according to the White House.
On Thursday, September 25, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing the use of the death penalty for serious crimes in the District of Columbia. The document was published on the official White House website and takes effect immediately upon signing.
Administration priorities
The text of the order states that the reinstatement of the death penalty has remained one of the administration’s priorities since the beginning of its term, as established by Executive Order 14164 of January 20, 2025, dedicated to protecting public safety.
The Attorney General and the US Attorney for the District of Columbia are required to ensure compliance with federal death penalty laws. They must seek the death penalty in all cases where a thorough analysis of the evidence and circumstances confirms the necessity of such a sentence.
During a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Donald Trump emphasized that the Turkish leader is respected both in Kyiv and in Moscow. According to him, Erdoğan can play an important role in bringing peace to Ukraine, especially if Ankara stops purchasing Russian energy resources.
Trump also stated during the meeting that Russia must end its aggressive war against Ukraine, noting that Moscow continues senseless killings while achieving almost no territorial gains.
