Part 2/5:
During his tenure and public statements, President Trump often signaled a hardline approach to criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, with hints at the use of capital punishment as a deterrent. Many interpreted his words as a clear indication that federal authorities would pursue the death penalty for cartel figures to demonstrate a tough-on-crime stance.
Yet, upon closer examination of recent legal decisions, it becomes evident that the administration’s approach has been more nuanced. Such rhetoric, while impactful politically, did not necessarily translate into swift or aggressive application of capital punishment in each case.