In a stark contrast to Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ lenient stance on crime, former President Donald Trump has vowed to take a tough approach to federal punishments if elected in 2024.
Speaking at the Arizona border on Tuesday, Trump pledged to impose the death penalty on individuals convicted of heinous crimes, including child and woman sex trafficking, major drug dealing, and the murder of law enforcement officers.
“We need to hold these individuals accountable for their actions,” Trump said. “In some countries, the consequences for drug trafficking are clear: death. And you know what? It works.”
Trump’s proposal to impose the death penalty on those who kill police officers, U.S. Border Patrol officers, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials is part of his broader effort to combat the nation’s trafficking crisis.
In contrast, Harris has faced criticism for her handling of crime as a former California prosecutor. Despite billing herself as a “progressive prosecutor,” Harris has been accused of being soft on crime, particularly in her opposition to capital punishment.
In one notable case, Harris refused to recommend the death penalty for a gang member who murdered a San Francisco police officer in 2004. Her stance on capital punishment has been met with skepticism from even some of her Democratic colleagues, including Sen. Diane Feinstein and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Trump also expressed frustration with the lengthy appeals process for death row inmates, suggesting that he would seek to expedite trials to prevent cases from dragging on for years. “We need a system that delivers justice quickly and efficiently,” Trump said.
