During Sunday night’s highly anticipated Super Bowl, President Donald Trump aired a commercial touting his criminal justice reform victory.
The 30-second ad, featured during Super Bowl LIV, was released by Trump’s re-election committee and featured the first-time nonviolent drug offender, Alice Johnson, who was granted clemency in 2018 by Trump thanks to Kim Kardashian’s advocacy.
The president tweeted the advertisement in real-time following its initial airing during the game.
“I promised to restore hope in America,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “That includes the least among us. Together, let’s KEEP AMERICA GREAT”
I promised to restore hope in America. That includes the least among us. Together, let’s KEEP AMERICA GREAT!
Text TRUMP to 88022 if you liked our Super Bowl ad! pic.twitter.com/Lgjt53B7QX
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2020
The emotional spot showed Johnson’s release and her reunion with friends and family.
“My heart is just bursting with gratitude. I want to thank President Donald John Trump. Hallelujah!” Johnson said during the TV spot.
The ad drew backlash from many detractors online, with the masses claiming that Trump took to much credit for Johnson’s commutation.
Florida leaders, however, stood behind Trump’s commercial, citing his decision to free Johnson, along with a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill — the First Step Act — signed into law during his tenure, as a landmark accomplishment heading into the 2020 elections.
Great #superbowl ad. Thank you @realDonaldTrump for highlighting your correction of the injustice to Alice Johnson and for the First Step Act. Together we can do much more. https://t.co/F7z2ZUTKIf
— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) February 3, 2020
I’m a proud Republican reformer who stands with President @realDonaldTrump on #CJReform. https://t.co/476c4lKXs1
— Rob Bradley (@Rob_Bradley) February 3, 2020
Listen to @AliceMarieFree’s story. https://t.co/pFMSSbF9ZI
— Christian Ziegler 🇺🇸 @FloridaGOP Vice Chair (@ChrisMZiegler) February 3, 2020
If you liked that @realDonaldTrump #SuperBowl ad on criminal justice reform, and you’re a member of the Florida House of Representatives, consider cosponsoring #HB339, which is roughly the Florida equivalent of the #FirstStepAct. #FlaPol
— Greg Newburn (@GNewburn) February 3, 2020
A second Trump ad ran, but could only be seen after the SuperBowl.
Our SECOND #SuperBowl ad just aired!
America is Stronger, Safer, and More Prosperous thanks to President @realDonaldTrump 🇺🇸
If you liked this ad, text TRUMP to 88022!
— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) February 3, 2020