Mon Feb 24 14:20:00 UTC 2025: **Trump Appoints Alice Johnson as “Pardon Czar”**
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Trump announced Thursday the appointment of Alice Johnson, a woman he previously granted clemency, as his “pardon czar.” Johnson, 69, served over 21 years in prison for non-violent drug offenses before President Trump commuted her sentence in 2018 and later issued a full pardon.
The announcement, made during a White House Black History Month event, designates Johnson to review and recommend pardons to the President. Trump stated he would follow her recommendations. He characterized Johnson’s past offense as something that “probably wouldn’t even be prosecuted today.” However, Johnson was originally convicted in 1996 for leading a multi-million dollar cocaine ring.
Johnson’s case was brought to Trump’s attention by Kim Kardashian. This appointment follows a pattern of Mr. Trump issuing numerous pardons, including hundreds for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol assault, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, and Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road darknet marketplace. While the Justice Department typically vets pardon requests, President Trump has often made independent pardon decisions.
First Piper 