In November 2020, just days after the execution of Orlando Hall, Donald Trump stood in the White House Rose Garden, participating in the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon ceremony. As he wished the turkeys, Corn and Cob, a “very long, happy, and memorable life,” men on death row in Terre Haute, Indiana, watched the event unfold on television. For them, the juxtaposition of a ceremonial pardon for birds while human lives hung in the balance felt like a cruel joke. One inmate lamented the missed opportunity for Trump to use his clemency powers to spare any of the five men facing imminent execution. This moment encapsulated the broader narrative of the federal death penalty during Trump’s administration, which saw an unprecedented number of executions—13 in total—over a mere six months, more than in the previous decade combined.
The individuals executed during this period were not simply the “worst of the worst,” as often portrayed. Many had backgrounds marked by severe childhood trauma, mental illness, or inadequate legal representation. Some maintained their innocence, while others were executed for crimes in which they played minimal roles. The rush to execute these individuals during a global pandemic, when safety protocols were largely ignored, highlighted a systemic recklessness that permeated the administration’s approach to capital punishment.
The narrative of the federal death penalty is complex and deeply intertwined with political history. The bipartisan support for the death penalty has persisted for decades, with both parties contributing to its expansion. Notably, many of those executed under Trump had previously sought clemency from the Obama administration, which ultimately did not act on their requests. This historical context raises critical questions about responsibility and the potential for reform.
As President Biden took office, a growing chorus of advocates urged him not to repeat the mistakes of his predecessor. With just weeks left in his term, Biden faced mounting pressure to use his clemency powers to commute the sentences of those remaining on federal death row. Advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Catholic Mobilizing Network, have called for mass commutations, citing persistent racial bias in death penalty cases and the lack of evidence supporting its deterrent effect on crime. Public support for the death penalty has waned significantly, with many Americans now questioning its morality and efficacy.
Biden’s own campaign platform included a commitment to criminal justice reform, specifically targeting the abolition of the federal death penalty. He emphasized the need for a system that prioritizes rehabilitation over retribution, advocating for life sentences without the possibility of parole instead of capital punishment. The urgency for action is underscored by the reality that Trump has signaled intentions to continue his execution spree if given the opportunity.
The emotional toll of executions extends beyond the condemned individuals to their families and communities. Shanyce Matthews, Hall’s partner, poignantly reflected on the impact of his execution, emphasizing the moral implications for those involved in the process. Her experience serves as a reminder that every execution is not just a legal decision but a deeply human tragedy that reverberates through families and communities.
As Biden commemorated Thanksgiving with a light-hearted turkey pardon, the stark reality faced by those on death row loomed large. The men awaiting execution are not seeking absolution; they simply wish to avoid the trauma of being executed. They are asking for a chance to live, to spare their families from the anguish of their deaths, and to see Biden fulfill the promises he made during his campaign.
The clock is ticking, and advocates are urging immediate action. As Matthews aptly stated, “We have to start yelling about it,” highlighting the urgency of the situation. The time for change is now, and the choices made in the coming weeks will resonate far beyond the confines of the White House, potentially altering the lives of 40 individuals and their families forever. The question remains: will Biden act to spare these lives, or will history repeat itself?