Story perspectives

Trump-era federal death penalties: 70% Black defendants

7/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Over 70% of new federal death-penalty authorizations under President Donald Trump involve Black defendants.
The Justice Department authorized death-penalty prosecutions against at least 42 defendants in 34 cases during Trump’s second term.
Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered prosecutors to seek death whenever possible, citing Trump’s desire to reverse President Joe Biden’s 37 commutations, while about one-third of those cases have been dismissed or struck down.

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Story summary

Over 70% of new federal death-penalty authorizations under President Donald Trump involve Black defendants.
The Justice Department authorized death-penalty prosecutions against at least 42 defendants in 34 cases during Trump’s second term.
Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered prosecutors to seek death whenever possible, citing Trump’s desire to reverse President Joe Biden’s 37 commutations, while about one-third of those cases have been dismissed or struck down.