Van Jones Praises Trump’s Appointment of Alice Marie Johnson as Pardon Czar, While Acknowledging Broader Concerns
Former Obama advisor Van Jones has publicly commended President Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Alice Marie Johnson, a woman Trump previously pardoned, as a "pardon czar." This endorsement, delivered during a Black History Month event at the White House, underscores a complex intersection of criminal justice reform, presidential power, and political perspectives. Jones, speaking on the "On Brand" podcast with commentator Donny Deutsch, highlighted the significance of this appointment, particularly given Johnson’s lived experience within the federal prison system.
Alice Marie Johnson was convicted of nonviolent drug trafficking in Memphis, Tennessee, and sentenced to life in prison. After serving 21 years, her sentence was commuted by Trump, a move that garnered significant attention and fueled further discussions about criminal justice reform. Jones emphasized that Johnson’s firsthand understanding of the system, including its inherent flaws and potential for inequity, positions her uniquely to address issues within the pardon process.
"He put Miss Alice Johnson — the formerly incarcerated Black woman who he freed while working with Kim Kardashian — he just put her in charge of pardons. That’s huge," Jones stated. He elaborated on the importance of having someone with direct experience of incarceration in a role that oversees the pardoning of others. "Somebody who has actually been incarcerated, been in the federal system, understands how the Department of Justice screws over people who should be coming home – some people who shouldn’t come home – but a lot of people that should come home, and they get screwed by the pardon office. She’s gonna fix that."
Jones, a long-time advocate for criminal justice reform, underscored the potential for Johnson to bring a critical perspective to the pardon review process. "As somebody who has worked on criminal justice, as you know, for 30 years, having someone who’s a formerly incarcerated person in charge of going through all these pardons and making sure that people get a fair shot — I think that’s a very good thing," he said.
This praise for Trump’s action aligns with earlier statements from Jones, who noted in a late January post that "Trump’s heart CAN be touched. He has been moved, many times, to help downtrodden individuals — whether in his employ or in federal prisons (First Step Act). So don’t assume that moral appeals can never work with Trump. In the right forum and circumstances, they can and do." Jones stood by these words, recalling instances where Trump brought formerly incarcerated individuals to the White House and provided them with a platform to speak publicly. He contrasted this with the actions of previous administrations, saying, "I don’t remember Biden or Obama or Clinton doing anything remotely like that."
Alice Marie Johnson herself has expressed enthusiasm for her new role, stating her commitment to fulfilling the trust President Trump has placed in her. "I plan to fulfill the trust that the president has placed in me," Johnson said. "He’s given me specific marching orders and, actually, I’ve been working on this nonstop since my release. This is really a continuation of the work that I’ve already been doing. I’ve brought many pardon cases before the president in the past and one thing I can say about President Trump [is], he was very interested in their families. He wanted to know if they have a solid reentry program in place."
However, Jones’s commentary was not without reservations and broader criticisms of Trump’s actions. He cautioned against the unchecked use of presidential power, even by leaders he admires. "Now I think we are in a five-alarm fire and I would be radically, rabidly opposed to even my beloved Barack Obama doing this stuff. We have a system. It’s not perfect, but it’s designed to work a particular way so that you don’t have a king, you don’t have somebody who just has unchecked power, and he’s just, you know, he’s grabbing authorities that are not allowed," Jones asserted.
This nuanced perspective reflects a complex understanding of the situation. While recognizing the potential benefits of Johnson’s appointment and acknowledging Trump’s willingness to engage with criminal justice reform, Jones also emphasizes the importance of maintaining checks and balances on presidential power and adhering to established legal processes.
The appointment of Alice Marie Johnson as pardon czar highlights the ongoing debate surrounding criminal justice reform in the United States. It underscores the need for a system that is both fair and effective, while also acknowledging the importance of rehabilitation and second chances. Johnson’s lived experience and advocacy for those incarcerated positions her uniquely to influence the pardon process and bring about meaningful change.
Moreover, the reactions to this appointment from figures across the political spectrum demonstrate the complexity of the issue. While some applaud the move as a step in the right direction, others express concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the undermining of established legal procedures.
The debate surrounding criminal justice reform is likely to continue in the years to come. As the United States grapples with issues of mass incarceration, racial disparities in sentencing, and the challenges of reentry, the appointment of Alice Marie Johnson as pardon czar serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing dialogue and the need for creative solutions. It further compels the nation to reconsider the role of the formerly incarcerated in shaping policy that directly affects their communities. The appointment represents an unprecedented opportunity to inject empathy and direct knowledge of the prison system into the process of evaluating petitions for pardons.
Ultimately, the success of this endeavor will depend on Johnson’s ability to navigate the complexities of the pardon system, advocate for those deserving of clemency, and ensure that the process is fair and transparent. It will also depend on President Trump’s willingness to listen to Johnson’s advice and to use his power judiciously and in accordance with the principles of justice.
