Alice Johnson praises Trump for First Step Act, calls for compassion for ‘forgotten faces’

Alice Johnson, a woman sentenced to life in prison for a non-violent drug crime, praised President TrumpDonald John The Memo: Trump Uses Convention to Focus on Major States Conway Hots Trump as ‘Women’s Champion’ Former ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ Star Trace Adkins Sings at GOP Congress MORE at the Republican National Convention Thursday for changing its mind and signing the bilingual criminal law First Step Act.

“I was once told that the only way I would ever be with my family again would be as a corpse,” Johnson said. “But by the grace of God and the compassion of President Donald John Trump, I stand before you tonight … and I assure you, I’m not a ghost. I’m alive, I’m fine, and most importantly, I’m free. “

Trump changed Johnson’s mind in 2018 at the urging of Kim KardashianKimberly (Kim) Noel Kardashian West Alice Johnson, retaliated by Trump, to speak at GOP convention: Kanye West report meets Jared Kushner in mid-White House bid: Illinois election commissioner says Kanye West lacks needed signatures to vote MORE-West, an advocate for justice reform.

“Some say, ‘You’re doing the crime. You’re doing the time.’ That time, however, should be honest and fair, ” Johnson said. ‘ worst decision. “

Johnson praised Trump’s Christian faith and “compassion” for her release, but expressed empathy for those in similar circumstances who met her in prison.

‘I use my voice to tell her stories. And I pray that my face reminds you of those forgotten faces, ‘she said.

“I pray that you will not just hear this message, but that you will be inspired by my story, and your compassion will lead you to take action for those who have been forgotten,” she concluded. “That’s what our president, Donald Trump, did for me. And, for that I will be eternally grateful. ”

Johnson’s remarks came in contrast to several other speakers that evening, who conveyed a strict law and order message and Democrats came down as soft on crime.

While Trump’s campaign has accused Democratic nominees Joe BidenJoe Biden The memo: Trump uses convention to target key states Pence condemns Kenosha violence, supports police in convention speech Biden praises Milwaukee Bucks response to Jacob Blake shoots MORE of being anti-police, it also blew its support for policies “tough on crime” in the 1990s that disproportionately affected Black Americans. Since Biden announced Sen. Kamala HarrisKamala HarrisGOP clings to convention message amid uproar over Blake police squad calls Biden-Harris’ most radical anti-police ticket in history ‘Latino Victory to encourage Alex Padilla to fill Harris’ potential Senate seat MORE (D-Calif.) As his boardmate, however, it has broken her record as attorney general in California.