President Trump on Friday called on Congress to pass criminal justice reform legislation even as many are questioning his dedication to the imperiled bill.
“We all benefit when those who have served their time can find a job, support their families, and stay the hell out of jail,” Trump said at the Project Safe Neighborhood conference in Kansas City, Mo. “That’s why I have called on Congress to pass the First Step Act, so that more inmates gain the skills they need to become productive, law-abiding citizens.”
The current Senate version of the First Step Act was unveiled at the White House last month, and Trump said its sentencing, prison, and prisoner reentry reforms were “the right thing to do.” The White House recently included the bill on a list of priorities before Democrats retake the House in January.
But the First Step Act has struggled as a small but influential group of senators argues the bill would make the country less safe. According to an unofficial whip count from Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, the bill is supported by 28 Republicans and 49 Democrats, but opponents led by Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., warn that inmates who commit crimes after early release would haunt Trump.
In response to that opposition, one Republican insider told the Washington Examiner that Trump is “torn” on the reform package he publicly supports. “He really wants to do it, but this is making it hard for him,” the source said.
Many supporters of the bill, however, believe Trump is serious in his commitment.
“He’s definitely serious about this,” said Koch Industries General Counsel Mark Holden. “He sent a couple tweets and I think he’s going to lean in even more as we get close to crunch time.”
Although Trump ran as a law-and-order candidate, he has repeatedly mused about unfairness in the criminal system since taking office. He said in October that “a lot of people” are in jail for “no reason” and that he was “actively looking” to do something about it.
Trump in June released drug convict Alice Johnson from a life sentence at the urging of celebrity Kim Kardashian West, a decision he has repeatedly expressed pride in making.
“I think my case opened his eyes,” Johnson told the Washington Examiner. “To have this talk about being tough on crime, you can be tough on crime, but also smart on crime. I think my case has opened up his eyes and opened up his heart also, and I truly believe he’s serious.”
