CITIZENS NEWS

From prisoner to pardon czar: Alice Johnson's historic appointment signals a new era in criminal justice reform

By willowt // 2025-02-26

• President Donald Trump appointed Alice Johnson, a 69-year-old former inmate, as the nation's first-ever "pardon czar."
• Johnson will advise the president on clemency cases and offer recommendations for individuals deserving a second chance.
• Her journey from inmate to advocate began in 1996, and gained national attention in 2018 after Kim Kardashian lobbied for her release.
• As pardon czar, Johnson will identify individuals subjected to overly harsh sentences for nonviolent offenses, marking a shift toward a more systematic and compassionate approach to clemency.
• Her appointment highlights the broader movement for criminal justice reform and offers hope to thousands of individuals serving time for nonviolent offenses.

In a move that underscores his commitment to criminal justice reform, President Donald Trump has named Alice Johnson, the 69-year-old grandmother whose life sentence he commuted in 2018, as the nation’s first-ever “pardon czar.” The announcement, made during a Black History Month event at the White House, marks a historic moment in the intersection of politics, justice and second chances. Johnson, a former inmate who served over 22 years for nonviolent drug offenses, will now advise the president on clemency cases, offering recommendations for individuals she believes deserve a second chance. The appointment of a pardon czar is unprecedented in American history, but it reflects a growing bipartisan push to address the inequities of the criminal justice system. Johnson’s story—her incarceration, her advocacy and her eventual freedom—has become a symbol of the need for reform, particularly for nonviolent offenders who have been disproportionately affected by harsh sentencing laws.

A second chance for Johnson

Johnson’s journey from inmate to advocate began in 1996, when she was sentenced to life in prison without parole for her involvement in a nonviolent drug conspiracy. At the time, mandatory minimum sentencing laws left judges with little discretion, resulting in draconian punishments for first-time offenders like Johnson. Her case gained national attention in 2018 after a viral video of her speaking from prison caught the eye of reality TV star Kim Kardashian. Kardashian, who has since become a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, personally lobbied President Trump to grant Johnson clemency. In June 2018, Trump commuted Johnson’s sentence, and in 2020, he issued her a full pardon. “You’ve been an inspiration to people, and we’re going to be listening to your recommendation on pardons,” Trump told Johnson during the Black History Month event. “You’re going to find people just like you that this should not have happened. It should not have happened.” Johnson’s gratitude for her second chance has fueled her advocacy work. Since her release, she has founded Taking Action for Good, an organization dedicated to reforming the criminal justice system through storytelling, advocacy and community engagement. Her appointment as pardon czar formalizes a role she has already been playing informally, as she previously submitted a list of clemency recommendations to the president at his request.

The role of a pardon czar

While the position of pardon czar is not codified in law, it carries significant weight, as Johnson will have the president’s ear on matters of clemency. Her primary responsibility will be to identify individuals who, like her, have been subjected to overly harsh sentences for nonviolent offenses. “You’re going to look, and you’re going to make recommendations, and I’ll follow those recommendations,” Trump told Johnson during the event. “For pardons. All right?” This hands-on approach reflects Trump’s personal interest in criminal justice reform, which has been a hallmark of his presidency. Historically, clemency has been a tool used sparingly by presidents, often in politically charged or high-profile cases. However, Johnson’s role signals a shift toward a more systematic and compassionate approach, one that prioritizes the stories of individuals over the politics of the moment.

A legacy of reform

Johnson’s appointment is not just a personal victory; it is a testament to the broader movement for criminal justice reform. Her case became a rallying cry for advocates who argue that the system disproportionately punishes nonviolent offenders, particularly women and minorities. Her advocacy also played a key role in Trump’s embrace of the First Step Act, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at reducing recidivism and addressing sentencing disparities. “Alice was in prison for doing something that today probably wouldn’t even be prosecuted,” Trump remarked during the event. “She spent 22 years in prison—22 years. She had another 22 years left. Can you believe it?” Johnson’s story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of outdated sentencing laws. Her appointment as pardon czar offers hope to thousands of individuals who are serving time for nonviolent offenses, many of whom have already paid their debt to society. In a statement posted on social media, Johnson expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as pardon czar and for the trust placed in me to help those impacted by our criminal justice system,” she wrote. “This role is a chance to offer second chances and restore hope to individuals who have paid their debt to society.” Her appointment is a testament to the power of redemption and the enduring belief in second chances. For a justice system in need of reform, Johnson’s voice may be the catalyst for change that so many have been waiting for. Sources include: 100percentfedup.com TuscaloosaNews.com NYTimes.com

Trump Kim Kardashian freedom big government reform pardon progress criminal justice liberty Black History Month Alice Johnson pardon czar