In an unprecedented step for criminal justice reform, former President Donald Trump appointed Alice Marie Johnson, a Black woman, as his official “Pardon Czar.” In this role, Johnson will review and recommend clemency, ensuring deserving individuals are given fair chances for pardons and commutations.
There has never been an official U.S. government position titled “Pardon Czar.” However, various officials have overseen the presidential pardon process throughout history. Alice Johnson’s recent appointment as Pardon Czar is a historic milestone, making her the first person to hold this role and the first Black woman to do so.
Alice Marie Johnson, a former federal inmate turned criminal justice advocate, first gained national attention when President Trump commuted her life sentence in 2018. Johnson had been convicted in 1996 for a nonviolent drug offense and served more than 20 years in prison before Trump intervened. Criminal justice activists heavily championed her case and even caught the attention of reality TV star Kim Kardashian, who lobbied for her release.
President Trump reflected on the decision to grant Johnson clemency at a public event, stating that her situation was unfair and needed immediate correction. He highlighted how they learned about her case, granted her a commutation, and how she had been an outstanding example since her release.
President Donald Trump told Johnson at the White House event: “You’ve been an inspiration to people, and we’re going to be listening to your recommendation on pardons. You’re going to go over, and you’re going to be — you’re going to, and she’s going to be my Pardon Czar, okay? And you’re going to find people just like you that should not this should not have happened. It should not have happened.”
He explained that he had not planned the decision in advance but was moved by her presence at an event and decided then and there to issue the full pardon. Trump described the pardon as the ultimate form of clemency, allowing Johnson to move forward freely and continue her advocacy work.
The Role of a Pardon Czar
As “Pardon Czar,” Johnson will identify rehabilitated individuals who deserve clemency. Her role includes reviewing cases of nonviolent offenders, ensuring community safety remains a priority, and advising Trump on the merits of potential pardons. The position highlights a shift in how clemency decisions are handled, moving away from traditional Justice Department channels to a more personalized review process.
A Pardon Czar could provide a transformative second chance to millions of Americans, especially those affected by the harsh policies of the 1994 crime bill, which former President Biden himself authored and that the Democrats proudly promoted as cornerstone criminal justice legislation at the time. Although the bill was presented as a necessary measure to reduce crime, it disproportionately harmed Black and Latino communities. It expanded mandatory minimum sentences, encouraged “three strikes” laws, and intensified the war on drugs, leading to mass incarceration on an unparalleled scale.
Black communities have borne the brunt of these policies. Families were torn apart as nonviolent drug offenders received disproportionately long prison sentences. The bill also allocated billions for constructing prisons, prioritizing punishment over prevention and rehabilitation. These policies entrenched systemic inequities, creating cycles of poverty and incarceration that persist to this day. Entire generations of Black Americans have been stripped of opportunities, as criminal records prevent individuals from accessing housing, employment, and voting rights, further marginalizing already disadvantaged communities.
Trump praised Johnson’s advocacy and efforts to help others who faced excessive sentences, noting that she had already identified many individuals in similar situations. He recognized that while there is only one Alice Marie Johnson, many other deserving individuals still incarcerated could benefit from clemency. Johnson has taken on the responsibility of finding and recommending these cases, leading to the release of several individuals whom she believed had been unfairly sentenced.
Johnson has emphasized that her primary focus will be on individuals who have demonstrated true rehabilitation and pose no threat to society. She has expressed that her work is not about politics but about recognizing people who have served their time and deserve another opportunity. Her advocacy will likely focus on those with disproportionately harsh sentences and those who have shown they can contribute positively to their communities.
A New Era for Clemency?
President Trump’s appointment of Johnson as Pardon Czar could bring about a major transformation in criminal justice reform as we know it. Johnson is not merely a political appointee; she is someone who has experienced this firsthand and understands its impact on an individual’s life and family. While some critics argue that bypassing traditional DOJ clemency processes might pose challenges, supporters see this as a necessary step toward addressing injustices within the legal system.
With her experience and dedication to reform, Alice Marie Johnson is well-positioned to influence clemency decisions. Whether this approach will become a lasting part of presidential pardon practices remains uncertain, but for now, Johnson’s appointment represents hope for many seeking a second chance at life.
