Kim Kardashian will be joining Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House for a roundtable discussion on pardons issued by President Joe Biden earlier in the month. This is not the first time Kardashian has been involved in advocacy for criminal justice reform, as she previously met with former President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2020. Her efforts have been credited with influencing Trump’s support for the First Step Act in 2018, a bipartisan prison reform law that received praise from critics.
Kardashian’s visit to the White House comes shortly after Armenian Remembrance Day, a significant event for her as she is of Armenian descent. President Biden recently recognized the Armenian genocide, becoming the first US president to do so. In late 2020, Kardashian wrote an op-ed urging Biden to intervene in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This meeting coincides with the Biden administration’s celebration of “Second Chance Month,” focusing on criminal justice reform and providing opportunities for individuals returning to society from jail or prison.
As part of Second Chance Month, President Biden announced clemency actions for 16 nonviolent drug offenders, pardoning 11 individuals and commuting the sentences of five others. These actions were taken to address disproportionately long sentences and to give deserving individuals a chance at rebuilding their lives outside of prison. During the roundtable with Kardashian and Harris, the Small Business Administration will announce a rule removing restrictions on loan eligibility based on a borrower’s criminal record. Additionally, four of the pardon recipients will participate in the discussion, which will be moderated by White House Director of Public Engagement Steve Benjamin.
Kim Kardashian’s advocacy for criminal justice reform has had a significant impact on influencing political decisions, including Trump’s support for the First Step Act. Her efforts have been recognized for their role in promoting bipartisan cooperation and addressing critical issues within the criminal justice system. By participating in discussions with Vice President Harris and individuals affected by the recent pardons, Kardashian continues to advocate for meaningful change and support for those reentering society after incarceration.
President Biden’s recent clemency actions reflect his commitment to building a fair and just criminal justice system, providing opportunities for rehabilitation and positive transformation for those returning to their communities. The roundtable discussion at the White House will focus on addressing barriers to reintegration, such as restrictions on loan eligibility based on criminal records. By including individuals affected by the recent pardons in the conversation, the administration seeks to highlight the importance of second chances and the potential for individuals to contribute positively to their communities.
Kardashian’s visit to the White House and participation in discussions on criminal justice reform underscore the importance of advocacy and activism in driving meaningful change. By engaging with political leaders and policymakers, she continues to use her platform to raise awareness of critical issues and push for reforms that benefit marginalized communities. The roundtable with Vice President Harris and individuals impacted by recent pardons represents a collaborative effort to address systemic issues and provide opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration for those affected by the criminal justice system.
