The Guardian's new podcast series, "Return of the Firing Squad: Trump's America," delves into the controversial resurgence of the firing squad as a method of capital punishment in the United States. The podcast, released on July 3, 2026, examines how the Trump administration has pushed for the use of firing squads in federal executions, a practice that had largely fallen out of favor in modern American history.
Historical Context and Legal Shifts
The firing squad was once a common execution method in the US, but its use declined over the 20th century. However, under President Donald Trump, the Department of Justice authorized the use of firing squads for federal inmates, citing a shortage of lethal injection drugs. According to the podcast, this shift has sparked intense debate about the constitutionality and humanity of such executions. Legal experts quoted in the series argue that the firing squad may violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.
Notable Cases and Public Reaction
The podcast highlights specific cases, including that of a federal death row inmate who was executed by firing squad in 2025. This marked the first federal execution by firing squad in over 50 years. The episode includes interviews with family members of victims, prison officials, and anti-death penalty activists. Public reaction has been sharply divided, with some supporting the method as swift and sure, while others condemn it as barbaric.
According to the podcast, a 2025 Gallup poll found that 62% of Americans support the death penalty, but only 35% support the use of firing squads specifically. This indicates a significant gap between general support for capital punishment and approval of this particular method.
International Perspective and Future Implications
The series also examines how the US compares to other countries that still use firing squads, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia. Human rights organizations have criticized the Trump administration's policy, arguing that it aligns the US with authoritarian regimes. The podcast concludes by exploring potential legal challenges and the possibility of further expansion of execution methods under future administrations.
