In a video, Trump says that the story of Jon Ponder is a "beautiful testament to the power of redemption." Ponder now leads a program in Las Vegas that helps former prisoners reenter society, called Hope for Prisoners.
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Trump has trumpeted criminal justice reform as part of his outreach to Black and evangelical voters.
VIDEOS: Sen. Tim Scott, Nikki Haley, Donald Trump Jr. speak on night 1 on the 2020 RNC
Sen. Tim Scott speaks at the 2020 Republican National Convention on Monday, Aug. 24.
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The video shows the president signing the document as Ponder and his wife look on.
The retired FBI agent who had arrested Ponder and went on to become one of his best friends also appeared with Trump and Ponder.
Trump pardons convicted bank robber Jon Ponder