During a Black History Month event at the White House, former President Donald Trump announced that Alice Marie Johnson, whom he had pardoned during his first term, would now serve as his “Pardon Czar.” Johnson, who was previously incarcerated for a non-violent drug offense, was granted clemency by Trump and has since been an advocate for criminal justice reform.

Speaking at the event, Trump praised Johnson for her dedication and stated that she would be responsible for identifying individuals who deserve pardons. “You have been an inspiration to people, and we will be listening to your recommendations on pardons,” he told her. “You will find people just like you, people who should not have gone through what you did.”

Johnson joined a televised interview following the announcement, expressing her gratitude and commitment to the role. She emphasized that she had already been working on pardon cases since her release and would continue to advocate for individuals deserving of a second chance.

“President Trump has placed a great deal of trust in me, and I take this responsibility very seriously,” Johnson said. “Even before this appointment, I had been working nonstop on criminal justice reform. I have presented many cases to the President in the past, and I know how much he cares about the families affected by these sentences.”

She further explained the importance of ensuring that those released from prison have strong reentry plans. “My priority is making sure the communities are ready to receive them. Safety is crucial, but so is making sure they have jobs and opportunities waiting for them. A second chance isn’t enough; we need to give people the best chance for success.”

Johnson highlighted the need for ongoing support and follow-up to help former inmates reintegrate into society. “We don’t want to set people up for failure. That’s why we’ll be checking in on them — not as part of a probation system but to ensure they have what they need to make the right choices,” she explained. “This includes access to mental health care, which is vital after long-term incarceration. Many people struggle to adjust after years in prison, and we need to help them reintegrate successfully.”

She also shared her plans to collaborate with key figures such as Paula White and Pam Bondi, both of whom she described as strong allies in the faith and legal communities. She acknowledged the trust Trump had placed in her and the work they had done together, stating, “This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. We’ve worked together before, and I consider him a friend.”

Recalling a past interaction on Air Force One, she shared how she had convinced Trump to release five individuals. “He knows my track record. Over the past seven years, I’ve worked with governors, families, and officials from both political parties to push for meaningful reform.”

Johnson revealed that Trump had informed her of his intentions nearly two years ago. “He called me and said, ‘Alice, when I go back, I’m taking you with me.’ I already knew then that he was serious about returning to office and continuing this work.”

With her new role, Johnson aims to continue advocating for justice and ensuring that those given a second chance have the support needed to succeed.