Rolling Stone is reporting that “close associates” to Donald Trump have indicated the former President is looking to expand the use of the death penalty for violent criminals and drug dealers, even so far as to suggest airing live executions on television.
The report reads more like it was written by a leftist who is openly fantasizing about what a ‘dictator’ Trump might do if he gets back in the White House, as opposed to anything based in reality.
This is the same magazine that had to pay millions in lawsuits after being forced to retract a sensational but ultimately disproven rape story.
That said, the magazine is now reporting that Trump’s desire to expand the death penalty includes bringing back firing squads and/or using guillotines.
“Trump has talked about bringing back death by firing squad, by hanging, and, according to two of the sources, possibly even by guillotine,” they claim. “He has also, sources say, discussed group executions.”
“The article adds that “Trump has talked about bringing back death by firing squad, by hanging, and, according to two of the sources, possibly even by guillotine.”https://t.co/Iv9g3oMJYj
— Jack Posobiec ?? (@JackPosobiec) February 14, 2023
RELATED: Justice Department Will Resume Capital Punishment, AG Barr Schedules 5 Death Row Inmates
Trump Reportedly Wants to Expand Death Penalty, Air Live Executions
Look, Donald Trump’s desire to expand the death penalty for violent criminals and even possibly implement it as punishment for high-profile, violent drug dealers is well-documented.
It’s not that far-fetched that he’s talking about expanding on that.
What is bordering on absurd here is the idea that he wants to air people being beheaded on a pay-per-view special.
If re-elected, Trump is committed to expanding the use of the federal death penalty. He has mused about televising footage of executions and, specifically, wants to bring back death by firing squad, hanging and possibly even by guillotinehttps://t.co/ZrtE72nW9Q
— Robert Maguire (@RobertMaguire_) February 14, 2023
I’m sorry, but you almost get the sense that each of the “close associates” who spoke to Rolling Stone had a private wager with the others about how far they could take the story and still have the reporters believe them.
Trump, according to the magazine has even “mused about televising footage of executions, including showing condemned prisoners in the final moments of their lives.
Better still, they claim Trump wants to create WWE-style video packages of the executions which would “include footage from these new executions, if not from the exact moments of death.”
One can just imagine. A violent criminal is brought to the guillotine, dramatic music playing then BAM, Stone Cold Steve Austin’s music hits and the executioner emerges to lower the blade.
Finally, real criminal justice reform. https://t.co/K9RG8jQgv5
— (((tedfrank))) (@tedfrank) February 15, 2023
RELATED: Utah Plans to Use Firing Squad to Execute Murderers
Could It Work?
Some have argued that the implementation of the death penalty is not an effective deterrent to violent crime. Others have suggested that its effectiveness as such is less important than the need to simply punish a violent criminal because they should die for their crimes.
Trump, as mentioned previously, has been a strong proponent of capital punishment, advocating for the death penalty for individuals that murder police officers during his 2020 presidential campaign.
“One of the first things I’d do in terms of executive orders, if I win, will be to sign a strong, strong statement that will go out to the country, out to the world, that anybody killing a policeman, a policewoman, a police officer, anybody killing a police officer: Death penalty is going to happen, okay?” Trump said.
“We’re not going to let bad things happen to our police,” President Trump says. “We believe criminals who kill our police should get the death penalty. Bring it forth.” pic.twitter.com/Pyfd3ONDHp
— NBC News (@NBCNews) May 15, 2018
Trump also suggested the death penalty could deter drug dealers.
“Some countries have a very, very tough penalty, the ultimate penalty,” he explained. “By the way, they have much less of a drug problem than we do.”
Pres. Trump on drug dealers: “Some countries have a very, very tough penalty—the ultimate penalty. And by the way, they have much less of a drug problem than we do.” pic.twitter.com/bundqIiSMQ
— ABC News (@ABC) March 1, 2018
And he half-jokingly suggested traitors such as Bowe Bergdahl should fall victim to the firing squad.
With all of that said, I can’t envision a scenario where Trump, upon returning to the White House, starts lopping off the heads of criminals or hanging them during a prime-time special.
A spokesman for the former President issued a statement to Rolling Stone about their claims.
“More ridiculous and fake news from idiots who have no idea what they’re talking about,” the person said. “Either these people are fabricating lies out of thin air, or Rolling Stone is allowing themselves to be duped by these morons.”
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