President Donald Trump appointed Alice Marie Johnson, whom he pardoned during his first term, as “pardon czar” during a Black History Month event at the White House. In her new role, Johnson will be responsible for making recommendations about who should be granted clemency. The New York Times first reported that Trump was considering naming Johnson as “pardon czar” following her commutation after serving 21 years for nonviolent drug trafficking in Memphis, Tennessee. Reality television star Kim Kardashian West played a key role in advocating for Johnson’s release, meeting with Trump at the White House a week before Johnson’s sentence was commuted.
Alice Marie Johnson was arrested in 1993 and convicted of drug conspiracy and money laundering in 1996 after a series of unfortunate events, including the death of her son, financial troubles, and a divorce, led her to become involved with cocaine dealers. In a Fox News Digital opinion article, Johnson admitted to making a “life-altering bad decision” in a moment of desperation when faced with losing her home as a single mother. Despite claiming that she never “touched, saw or sold a single drug,” Johnson did admit to assisting in communications within the drug operation that she was involved in. During her time in prison, she worked in the prison hospice, volunteered in the prison church, became an ordained minister, and started writing and directing plays.
Since being pardoned, Alice Marie Johnson has remained under federal supervision for five years and has become a champion for criminal justice reform. She has advocated for overburdened case officers and fought against unnecessary supervision post-incarceration. Johnson launched “Taking Action For Good,” an organization that advocates for clemency and pardons for individuals in similar situations to hers, and has worked with the philanthropic organization Stand Together. In addition to her advocacy work, Johnson has also published a book detailing her experiences and the need for reform in the criminal justice system. Her appointment as “pardon czar” by President Trump highlights her continued commitment to helping others who are incarcerated and pushing for positive change in the criminal justice system.
Kim Kardashian West was instrumental in advocating for Alice Marie Johnson’s release, meeting with President Trump at the White House to discuss Johnson’s case. Johnson, a great-grandmother, was sentenced to life in prison for nonviolent drug offenses and had served 21 years before her sentence was commuted. In a statement following her release, Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to start anew and vowed to help others in similar situations. Trump’s decision to appoint Johnson as “pardon czar” underscores his administration’s focus on criminal justice reform and willingness to grant clemency to deserving individuals.
Alice Marie Johnson’s journey from incarceration to becoming a prominent figure in criminal justice reform and clemency advocacy showcases the potential for redemption and second chances. Despite her past mistakes, Johnson has used her experiences to become a voice for others who are unfairly incarcerated and in need of clemency. Her appointment as “pardon czar” by President Trump reflects a commitment to addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system and providing opportunities for individuals to turn their lives around. Johnson’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and second chances in creating a more just and equitable society for all.
