Former Attorney General Pam Bondi is urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to overturn President Biden’s commutations of 37 death row sentences, calling them a betrayal of the justice system and victims’ families. In a letter to DOJ employees, Bondi criticized the clemency actions as undermining the rule of law and diminishing public confidence in the judicial process.

Bondi argued that the commutations send a dangerous message by allowing convicted murderers to avoid full punishment. She instructed the DOJ to explore legal options to challenge the clemency and collaborate with state prosecutors to potentially re-pursue the death penalty under state laws.

The commutations have sparked a debate over presidential clemency, with supporters advocating for criminal justice reform and critics, including Bondi, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability. Bondi also proposed a public forum for victims’ families to share their experiences and maintain transparency.

The DOJ’s response to Bondi’s call remains uncertain, but the controversy is expected to continue as legal experts debate the limits of presidential clemency.