President Donald Trump appointed Alice Marie Johnson to serve as the “Pardon Czar” in his administration. Johnson, who was granted clemency by Trump in 2018 and received a full pardon in 2020, will be responsible for recommending individuals who should be granted clemency.
The announcement was made during a Black History Month event at the White House. Trump also announced an outdoor statue park would be built at the White House featuring Black American icons.
A Full Circle Moment
Johnson joked that she has her doctorate in “prisonology.” She was convicted of drug trafficking in Memphis, Tennessee, and after serving 21 years, her life sentence was commuted by Trump.
Johnson was convicted of a nonviolent offense but received a life sentence. She would never have gotten out of prison without the clemency issued in Trump’s first term. She expressed her gratitude and faith in the journey that led her to this moment.
“To return back and be able to make a difference in the lives of others to help restore communities, this is–it’s surreal, but it’s real— God does things so you will know that only he did it,” Johnson said.
