Kerry Washington comments on Donald Trump’s conviction and its implications for the justice system. . Actress Kerry Washington is questioning a major issue. After a New York jury found the former President guilty of 34 felonies, many thought it would end his hopes for a second term. However, there is no law preventing a felon from running for president. In an interview with “Bustle” to promote season 2 of her show “Un Prisoned,” premiering on July 17, Washington asked why felons face discrimination on job applications.
She expressed her views on the double standards in the justice system, saying, “Everything has changed in terms of how I feel about the so-called justice system. We’re in such an interesting moment when it comes to [the question of], ‘What is a felon?’ I love what people have been sharing on social media, [saying that] if a person who is a convicted felon can still run for president, then we should be removing that box from job applications.”
The “Scandal” star also said that if felons can run for president, they should also be able to vote.
The “Ban the Box” movement has been growing across the country, thanks to advocacy by the civil rights group “All of Us or None of Us,” made up of formerly incarcerated people. Recent data shows that 37 states and over 150 cities have removed the checkbox on job applications that asks about criminal history. This approach aims to give applicants a fair chance at employment by delaying background checks until later in the hiring process.
However, felons face more challenges with voting rights. Laws in 48 states prevent people with felony convictions from voting for at least some period. According to the National Employment Law Project, an estimated 4.4 million people in the U.S. cannot vote because of a current or past felony conviction.
“That’s huge. The irony is that [Gov.] Ron DeSantis has been trying to make it impossible in Trump’s home state,” Washington said. “A bill was passed in Florida to allow formerly incarcerated folks to vote, and DeSantis has been trying to do everything he can to [undercut] that. Donald Trump may not be able to vote in his home state,” she added. “Being a felon has become just another box that we put people in, to assume who they are and what they’re capable of, in the same way we do with gender or race.”
In Florida, convicted felons must deal with fines, fees, and court costs before they can regain their voting rights. DeSantis, however, said he would help Trump despite his felony convictions.
“Given the absurd nature of the New York prosecution of Trump, this would be an easy case to qualify for restoration of rights per the Florida Clemency Board, which I chair,”
He posted on X on May 31. While DeSantis tries to influence the situation, the public seems to support Washington and her straightforward views. Fans are flooding social media with supportive comments and calls for her to run for office as her “Scandal” character, Olivia Pope.
“Olivia Pope for President,” declared one fan, while another exclaimed, “THAT’S RIGHT, OLIVIA POPE,” referencing Washington’s famous role as a Washington D.C. crisis manager who once exposed a fictional Trump-like figure’s racist views.
“I stand with Olivia Pope on this one. She should run…atp I’m down!” said a fan. Another agreed with Washington and added: “Gone head and add felons should be able to RENT an apartment/house as well. Why serve time to be restricted of decent humanity and rights???? You serve the time, are released, or are allowed to vote or rent a place to live to rehabilitate or get a job to take care of yourself. This [is] all a joke. Make it make sense. Lord went head and return.” There’s no denying Olivia Pope would be a strong leader. Washington explained her character’s wide appeal, noting that “Scandal” was likely the first time many people let a Black woman spend so much time in their home.
She was a real human being, beyond the label of ‘Black woman.’ [She had] complexity, nuance, flaws, brilliance. She was aspirational and also such a mess, Washington said of her character. She added, “Now we’re allowing for that kind of social, psychological deepening with felons and returning citizens, too.”We can only hope.
