President Trump makes history by appointing a former federal inmate to a key role in the Bureau of Prisons, marking a revolutionary approach to prison reform based on lived experience rather than bureaucratic theory.
Key Takeaways
- Joshua J. Smith, a former federal inmate pardoned by President Trump in 2021, has been appointed as Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, becoming the first person with a felony record to hold this position.
- After serving a five-year sentence for drug trafficking, Smith became a successful businessman, founding a $30 million company that employs over 180 people, including ex-offenders.
- Smith established Fourth Purpose, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to prison reform and inmate rehabilitation, investing $8 million of his own money into the organization.
- BOP Director William K. Marshall III specifically cited Smith’s firsthand experience as invaluable for advocating for resources and reforms needed by prison staff and inmates.
- The appointment signals President Trump’s commitment to meaningful criminal justice reform that focuses on rehabilitation and second chances rather than punishment alone.
From Prison Cell to Prison Leadership
In an unprecedented move that underscores President Trump’s commitment to genuine criminal justice reform, Joshua J. Smith has been appointed as the new Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). This remarkable appointment marks the first time a former federal inmate with a felony record has risen to such a senior position within the very system that once incarcerated him. Smith, who was convicted on drug trafficking charges in 1998 and served five years in a Kentucky federal prison camp, received a presidential pardon from President Trump in January 2021, recognizing his extraordinary personal transformation and contributions to prison reform.
“Prison time for me shifted into an educational time rather than just doing time,” said Smith.
Smith’s journey from inmate to influential leader is a testament to the power of redemption and rehabilitation. Raised by a single mother and falling into criminal activity at an early age, Smith’s life trajectory changed dramatically during his incarceration through mentorship and faith. After his release in 2003, he channeled his experiences into positive action, becoming a successful entrepreneur in Knoxville, Tennessee. His business acumen led to the creation of Master Service Companies, a thriving enterprise valued at $30 million that employs over 180 people, including former offenders who, like Smith, sought a second chance.
🤯 WTF Fun Fact: Trump Pardoned Him—Now He Runs the Prison System
You read that right: Joshua J. Smith, a convicted drug trafficker turned federal inmate, was personally pardoned by Donald Trump—and is now the #2 official in the entire U.S. Bureau of Prisons. That’s not a… pic.twitter.com/CisBXpauWZ
— P a u l ◉ (@SkylineReport) June 7, 2025
A Mission-Driven Approach to Prison Reform
Smith’s appointment comes at a critical time for the Bureau of Prisons, which has been plagued by issues including staffing shortages, corruption, and low morale. The agency, which manages a $7.7 billion budget and employs approximately 35,000 staff to oversee more than 158,000 federal inmates, has been placed on the Government Accountability Office’s high-risk list due to longstanding operational and leadership deficiencies. Smith’s unique perspective as someone who has experienced both sides of the prison system positions him to address these challenges with firsthand knowledge and innovative solutions.
“Josh brings to this role something our agency has never had before at this level, a perspective shaped by lived experience, proven innovation and national impact. His firsthand understanding of our facilities — of the tension, the risk and the importance of trust — makes him uniquely positioned to advocate for the resources and reforms front-line staff need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Director William K. Marshall III.
In 2019, Smith invested $8 million of his own money to establish Fourth Purpose, a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping inmates transform their lives through rehabilitation programs. His commitment to prison reform extends beyond the United States, with involvement in reform efforts in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Central America. Smith has also worked on film projects aimed at providing the public with a deeper understanding of prison life and promoting positive change within the system. His dedication to improving conditions for both inmates and staff aligns perfectly with President Trump’s vision for a more effective and humane criminal justice system.
A Testament to Redemption and American Values
Smith’s appointment has been widely praised by advocates for criminal justice reform, who see it as a bold step toward addressing systemic issues within the federal prison system. His personal journey embodies the core American values of redemption, second chances, and the belief that one’s past mistakes should not determine their future potential. By selecting Smith for this crucial role, President Trump has demonstrated his commitment to practical, experience-based solutions rather than theoretical approaches that have failed to produce meaningful results.
“Director Marshall couldn’t have made a better choice. Josh Smith brings a deep moral clarity and transformative vision to the Bureau — grounded in lived experience and a passion for redemption and human dignity. His leadership on re-entry is exactly what this moment demands,” said Rabbi Moshe Margaretten.
Smith himself views his appointment as nothing short of miraculous and attributes his redemption to divine intervention. “What God has allowed me to experience in my life is just unbelievable. It’s a miracle unto itself. There’s no reason I should be here,” said Smith.
His humility and sense of purpose speak to the genuine commitment he brings to this new role. As he transitions from advocate to policymaker, Smith’s focus remains firmly on improving conditions for both prison staff and inmates, with a particular emphasis on rehabilitation programs that give offenders the tools they need to succeed upon release.
“My focus has always been on the people who worked for me, and I intend to focus on the BOP staff that do such an important job in keeping our country safe,” said Smith.
