Report: Trump looks to expand death penalty – even firing squads – for violent criminals, drug dealers

Rolling Stone reports that “close associates” have suggested to Donald Trump that the former president wants to expand the use of the death penalty for violent criminals and drug dealers, to the point of suggesting that executions be televised live.

As opposed to anything based in fact, the report reads more like it was written by a leftist openly speculating about what ‘dictator’ Trump might do if he were back in the White House.

The same magazine was forced to pay millions in lawsuits after being forced to retract a sensational but ultimately unproven rape story.

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 sources, possibly by guillotine,” he says. “Sources say they discussed group executions.”

“The article adds that Trump has talked about bringing back death by firing squad, hanging and, according to two sources, possibly the guillotine.”https://t.co/Iv9g3oMJYj

– Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) February 14, 2023

RELATED: Justice Department resumes execution, AG bars 5 death row inmates

Trump reportedly wants to extend executions, air live executions

See, Donald Trump’s desire to extend the death penalty to violent criminals and implement it as punishment for high-level, violent drug dealers is well-documented.

It is not far-fetched that they are talking about expanding it.

What borders on absurd here is the idea that they want to broadcast beheading people on a pay-per-view special.

If re-elected, Trump has committed to expanding the use of the federal death penalty. He has watched footage of executions on television and, in particular, wants to bring back death by firing squad, hanging and possibly the guillotinehttps://t.co/ZrtE72nW9Q

— Robert Maguire (@RobertMaguire_) February 14, 2023

Sorry, but you almost get the sense that every “close associate” who spoke to Rolling Stone had a private bet with others about how far they could take the story and make the reporter believe it.

Trump, according to the magazine, has “considered televising footage of executions, including showing executed inmates in their final moments of life.

Even better, he says, Trump wants to create WWE-style video packages of executions that “include footage of these new executions, if not from the exact moments of death.”

Can only imagine. A violent criminal is brought to the guillotine, dramatic music is played 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 killers

Can 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 is less important than the need to punish violent criminals because they must die for their crimes.

Trump, as previously mentioned, is a strong proponent of the death penalty, advocating the death penalty for individuals who kill police officers during his 2020 presidential campaign.

“One of the first things I would do in terms of executive orders, if I win, would be to sign a strong, strong statement that goes out to the country, to the world, that if somebody kills a policeman, a policewoman, a police officer, if somebody kills a police officer: the death penalty will happen, right?” Trump said.

“We will not let bad things happen to our police,” says President Trump. “We believe that the criminals who killed our police should be given the death penalty. Bring it out.” pic.twitter.com/Pyfd3ONDHp

— NBC News (@NBCNews) May 15, 2018

Trump suggested the death penalty could deter drug dealers.

“Some countries have very harsh penalties, the ultimate penalty,” he explained. “By the way, they have less of a drug problem than we do.”

Pres. Trump on drug dealers: “Some countries have very harsh penalties—ultimate penalties. And by the way, they have less of a drug problem than we do. pic.twitter.com/bundqIiSMQ

— ABC News (@ABC) March 1, 2018

And he half-jokingly suggested that traitors like Bowe Bergdahl should be put to the firing squad.

With all that being said, I can’t imagine a scenario where Trump, once back in the White House, starts beheading criminals or hanging them during prime-time specials.

A spokesperson for the former president issued a statement to Rolling Stone about his claims.

“More ridiculous and fake news from idiots who don’t know what they’re talking about,” the man said. “Either these people are making up lies out of thin air, or Rolling Stone is allowing themselves to be fooled by these idiots.”