Trump 'Pardon Czar' Explains Key Differences Between Trump and Biden Pardons

Alice Marie Johnson, a former prisoner turned advocate, and President Donald Trump's self-appointed "pardon czar," shed light on the stark contrast between Trump and President Joe Biden's approaches to granting clemency in a Sunday interview.

Speaking with host Trey Gowdy on Fox News' "Sunday Night in America," Johnson pointed out that Biden's commutations, while plentiful, often fall short of fully reuniting families. "Unlike some of the sentences that President Biden received a lot of credit for, he commuted all of these sentences, but most of these people are still in prison," Johnson remarked. "He reduced them, but he didn’t really restore any families."

In comparison, she emphasized how Trump's clemency decisions brought tangible, life-altering results. "President Trump commuted sentences and families were restored," she said, underscoring the personal touch and impact of Trump's clemency actions.

Johnson, who gained national attention after Trump commuted her life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense in 2018, now dedicates her efforts to reviewing clemency cases. "I look for those who are still in prison, and some of those, their cases are so absolutely terrible that those laws are not even in effect anymore—I think those individuals would be worthy of a pardon," she explained. Johnson also noted the importance of evaluating how individuals have utilized their second chances, highlighting those who have become pillars in their communities.

Her work as "pardon czar" seems to be guided by a mix of compassion and pragmatism. "There are going to be those who are seeking pardons, and we’ll look at what they’ve done with their second chance of freedom," she added.

While Biden has commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 inmates—an undeniably significant number—Johnson's critique lies in what happens next. Commuting a sentence is one thing; restoring a life is another. Biden also issued high-profile pardons to figures like Gen. Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci, actions that some have speculated were aimed at shielding them from potential investigations under a future Trump administration.

Not to be outdone, Trump himself made headlines during his time in office by issuing clemency to numerous individuals, including nearly all Jan. 6 defendants on his Inauguration Day. Johnson’s advocacy and role as "pardon czar" speak volumes about the former president's focus on clemency as a tool for reform.

Johnson’s journey from serving 21 years in an Alabama prison to becoming a key figure in Trump’s clemency efforts is a story of transformation and redemption. Her insights on the differences between Trump and Biden's approaches add another layer to the ongoing national conversation about justice and second chances.