Trump Appoints Alice Johnson as New Pardon Czar Amid Clemency Push

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Alice Marie Johnson, a woman whose life sentence for drug offenses he previously commuted, will serve as the nation’s new ‘pardon czar.’ The appointment, revealed during an event recognizing Black History Month, marks a significant act aimed at reforming the clemency process.

Johnson, who spent 22 years in prison for her involvement in cocaine trafficking, received a presidential commutation from Trump in 2018, and was granted a full pardon in 2020. Trump described Johnson’s transformation from an inmate into an advocate for second chances, highlighting her story as an emblem of redemption. “Alice was in prison for doing something that today probably wouldn’t even be prosecuted,” he said during the announcement. “She had another 22 years left. Can you believe it? And I pardoned her, and it was one of the best pardons.”

During the announcement, Trump emphasized Johnson’s role, saying, “She’s going to be my pardon czar. You’re going to find people just like you…You’re going to make recommendations, and I’ll follow those recommendations for pardons.” Despite the lack of clarity about specific duties in her new position, the move signals the administration’s intent to prioritize clemency and justice reform.

Weldon Angelos, another clemency recipient under Trump and founder of The Weldon Project, commended Johnson’s appointment. “Alice Johnson has been a relentless advocate for second chances, and her own story is a testament to the power of redemption,” he remarked. “If she’s appointed as pardon czar, I believe she will bring compassion, experience, and a deep understanding of justice to the role.”

The mention of the pardon czar’s establishment comes amid broader conversations about criminal justice reform and the changing landscape of drug legislation. This year, Trump faced criticism for proposing the death penalty for drug dealers—a stance that could have affected Johnson herself, who was initially sentenced to death. Critics argue that the creation of the pardon czar role demonstrates a commitment to reform injustices in the legal system.

At the same time, the administration’s approach to drug-related policies has been scrutinized, especially with new Cabinet nominees lacking a progressive record on drug reform. For instance, Trump recently nominated a prominent anti-cannabis official to a key position within the Department of Health and Human Services. Recent discussions about marijuana policy have become more urgent, especially as advocates push for necessary changes in federal regulations.

As the administration emphasizes its commitment to clemency, many await tangible changes that could reshape drug policies and address concerns surrounding equity within the legal framework. Johnson’s responsibilities as pardon czar could reflect the administration’s evolving stance, presenting an opportunity for broader discussions about justice reform at national levels.