Ex-Prisoner Alice Johnson Now Calls Pardon Shots

Alice Johnson spent two decades behind bars for drug crimes before Donald Trump freed her during his first presidency. Johnson guides the White House pardon process and picks cases for Trump's clemency decisions. She chooses people who changed their lives and present no danger to society. Johnson also looks for cases where the government treated people unfairly. Her job involves studying each person's story carefully before making recommendations.

Trump pardoned reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley on Wednesday along with rapper NBA Youngboy and several others. Johnson said the Chrisleys earned freedom because their daughter Savannah fought hard for their release. Savannah spoke at the Republican National Convention about her parents facing an unfair justice system. Johnson believes every prisoner needs someone like Savannah fighting for them. The Chrisleys did not receive pardons because of their fame.

Johnson expects Todd and Julie Chrisley to become strong voices for changing criminal justice laws. She talked with Todd as he left prison and saw him crying with joy. Johnson wants the couple to spend time with family before jumping into advocacy work. She wishes she had taken more time to rest after her own release from prison.