2019 State of the Union: Kim Kardashian advocated for Alice Johnson's release, and Trump seemingly snubbed her
Alice Marie Johnson appeared as one of President Trump’s guests at the 2019 State of the Union on Tuesday night, but his introduction of the woman seemed to be lacking one key aspect, and Twitter was quick to notice.
In 1996, Johnson was convicted for five counts of drug trafficking and one count of money laundering. It was her first offense, yet she was sentenced to life in prison for her nonviolent crimes. The 63-year-old great-grandmother spent more than two decades behind bars.
Johnson’s plight was brought to the attention of the public eye mostly thanks to Kim Kardashian, who lobbied for Johnson’s release. Thanks to Kardashian’s advocacy, Trump granted clemency to Johnson. It may have also inspired the president to sign the First Step Act in December 2018, helping to address prison reform.
On Tuesday night, Trump introduced Johnson to attendees of the State of the Union, saying, “Last year, I heard through friends the story of Alice Johnson,” avoiding name dropping Kardashian.
Alice Johnson, 63-year-old grandmother who had her life sentence for drug charges commuted by Pres. Trump after Kim Kardashian's appeal, gets enthusiastic round of applause at #SOTU: "Alice is with us tonight and she's a terrific woman." Read her story: https://t.co/dQDktwwVrY pic.twitter.com/BEe3ClUU0u
— Good Morning America (@GMA) February 6, 2019
Many on Twitter are demanding justice for the hard work Kardashian, along with lawyer Shawn Holley, performed to get Johnson, who calls Kardashian “an angel,” clemency.
He heard about Alice Johnson "through friends"? I guess he didn't wanna shout out Kim Kardashian 🤷🏿?♀?. #SOTU
— Britni Danielle (@BritniDWrites) February 6, 2019
@KimKardashian should’ve been given FULL credit at the #SOTU for what happened with Alice. Instead Donald takes credit 🤦🏽?♀?
— Angela Costa (@AngelaMM25) February 6, 2019
So Legit observation. @KimKardashian should’ve got a mention. This was something great she did. She deserved a shout-out! #SOTU
— Goodridge Properties (@DallasGoodridge) February 6, 2019
If I remember correctly @KimKardashian brought Alice Johnson's case to @POTUS. At least give props for her work.#SOTU #StateOfTheUnion #SOTU19 pic.twitter.com/Bashjuk3fF
— Berry Talk (@Fresh_Berry1) February 6, 2019
Alice Johnson getting out of prison is an amazing feat, but let’s not forget that her story was first told by journalists. @KimKardashian learned about Johnson’s story via a Mic video — that is a big part in how the ball got rolling. #RealNews #SOTU
— Kamini Ramdeen (@KaminiRamdeen) February 6, 2019
Johnson wrote Kardashian a thank you note for all that she had done. “Ms. Kardashian you are literally helping to save my life and restore me to my family,” Johnson wrote. “I was drowning and you have thrown me a life jacket and given me hope that this Life jacket I’m serving may one day be taken off.”
“I believe that history will record that Kim Kardashian had the courage to take a stand against human warehousing and was a key figure in meaningful criminal justice reform becoming a reality,” she continued.
Kim Kardashian yet to comment on the apparent SOTU snub.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Melania Trump wears navy military-style dress, glove to 2019 State of the Union
Tiffany Trump’s all-white ensemble raises questions at 2019 State of the Union
Congresswomen wear white to 2019 State of the Union to send Trump a ‘message loud and clear’
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
