Trump states that the federal government will seek death penalty for all murders in Washington, DC

US President Donald Trump has announced that the federal government will seek the death penalty for homicide cases in Washington, DC, and call it a strong deterrent. While the city abolished the death penalty decades ago, federal law allows its use for certain crimes. US President Donald Trump speaks at a Cabinet meeting in the White House cabinet room in Washington, DC on August 26, 2025. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (AFP) US President Donald Trump Tuesday (August 26) declared that the federal government will seek the death penalty in cases of the country’s capital, DC. “If someone kills someone in the capital, Washington, DC, we’re going to look for the death penalty, and it’s a very strong preventative,” Trump said at a cabinet meeting in the White House. “I don’t know if we are ready for it in this country, but we have it – we have no choice. So in DC, in Washington – States will have to make their own decision – but if anyone kills someone … is it the death penalty, okay? ” Washington’s unique legal status Washington, DC, does not currently have a death penalty. The DC City Council recalled it decades ago, and local laws prohibit death penalty for local crimes. However, federal law allows the death penalty for certain crimes, giving the Trump administration a legitimate path to pursue capital charges. Washington is a federal district rather than a state established by the US Constitution, with the congress retaining the ultimate authority. The District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973 enables residents to elect a mayor and councilors, but Congress can ignore local legislation. Law and order agenda The announcement is part of Trump’s broader law and order campaign. He deployed the national watch troops and federal law enforcement to Washington, referring to ‘unacceptable levels of violent street crime’. City officials dispute these claims and point out statistics showing a decline in violent crime since an increase in 2023. Trump also pointed out to expand similar efforts to other cities, including Chicago. Federal prosecution and death penalty Trump’s Justice Department has already moved to revive the federal executions. Attorney General Pam Bondi lifted a Biden-era break during most federal executions in February, and the administration indicated that he would strive for the death penalty in cases with a high profile, including the case of Luigi Mangione, who was accused of killing Brian Thompson, CEO of United Health. If you are looking for the death penalty in DC men’s stroke, it can significantly increase the number of defendants on the federal death.