Joy Behar says death penalty for Luigi Mangione could backfire on Republicans amid Trump DOJ decision

Joy Behar and co-hosts debate Trump administration’s decision to seek death penalty for Mangione.

Co-hosts of ABC’s The View discussed whether the Trump administration’s decision to seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione could have political consequences. Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what authorities have described as a targeted attack.

Joy Behar pointed to Mangione’s popularity, saying, “He’s very popular, this guy,” and warned the move could politically backfire on Republicans. “All I’m saying is, politically, it could be a backlash against Republicans to give him the death penalty,” she added.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Tuesday that the Justice Department would pursue capital punishment, calling the murder a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.” She said the move aligned with President Donald Trump’s ongoing effort to reduce violent crime and “Make America Safe Again.”

Co-host Sunny Hostin called Bondi’s statement “an assault on the process,” accusing the administration of disregarding institutional norms.

Alyssa Farah Griffin said she supports the death penalty in extreme cases but questioned the choice to apply it here. “I was a little surprised this is where the Trump Justice Department started,” she said, suggesting that drug cartel or human trafficking cases would be more appropriate targets. Griffin added that while Mangione’s alleged crime was serious, he is a young, first-time offender who she believes should serve life in prison.

Sara Haines agreed, saying the greater punishment would be to live with his actions. “I’m a big believer in people having to live with themselves and the choices they’ve made,” she said.

Meanwhile, Politico suggested the decision could alienate Gen Z voters, listing the story under its “6 Things You Need to Know” section with the headline, “How Trump Loses Gen Z.”

The Justice Department has not responded to the political commentary.