During a White House Black History month reception, President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Alice Johnson as a 'pardon czar' for his administration. Johnson, who was pardoned by Trump in 2020, will now play a key role in recommending pardons for individuals who have faced unjust sentences.
Trump highlighted Johnson's story, emphasizing that she had spent 22 years in prison for a crime that might not be prosecuted today. He praised her as an inspiration and expressed his commitment to listening to her recommendations on pardons.
Johnson's journey to this role began with a 2018 commutation for non-violent drug charges, following a plea from Kim Kardashian West during a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office. Trump's decision to pardon Johnson in 2020 further solidified her position as an advocate for criminal justice reform.
As the newly appointed 'pardon czar,' Johnson will be tasked with identifying individuals who have been unjustly incarcerated and recommending them for pardons. Trump assured that he would closely consider her recommendations and act accordingly.
This move reflects Trump's ongoing efforts to address issues of criminal justice reform and provide relief to individuals who have been disproportionately affected by the legal system. By appointing Johnson to this role, the administration aims to leverage her firsthand experience to guide pardon decisions and ensure that justice is served.
