Trump backs capital punishment for 'rapists, murderers, and monsters'

Donald Trump said on Wednesday after taking office next week, "he will instruct the Department of Justice to vigorously pursue" the death penalty.

US President-elect Donald Trump, age 78, said in response to President Joe Biden commuting the sentences of his 37 inmates on death row, all but three, he will "restore law and order" by reinstating the death penalty next year.

"I will restore law and order as the president, and as soon as I am sworn in, I will instruct the Department of Justice to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect our families, children, and innocent Americans from violent rapists, murders, and monsters," Trump claimed.

Biden commuted the sentences of 37 federal inmates who were sitting on death row, the majority convicted of multiple murders.

"Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for the families who are suffering unimaginable and irreparable loss," Biden wrote in the presidential order.

Trump responded by calling it "disgusting," "cruel," and "sad."

"I will restore Law and Order and we will make America safe again!" Trump said.

Trump, who was the first president to execute federal prisoners in nearly two decades, oversaw the executions of 13 prisoners during his presidency.

Trump has also called for the death penalty to be extended to criminals who traffic drugs or humans, and for law enforcement officers and immigrants killed American citizens.