US President Donald Trump signed a decree pardoning formerly convicted bank robbery and later philanthropist John Ponder, who appeared at the GOP national convention on Tuesday, August 25.
A few hours before the start of the broadcast on the second day of the convention, the White House circulated a video recording of the president’s pardoning decree in Ponder’s presence. The American leader said that at the age of 38, John Ponder was arrested for robbing a bank, while serving his sentence, he began to read the Bible and listen to Christian radio.
In addition, after his release, he was able to become friends with FBI agent Richard Beasley, who had previously sent him to prison. Thanks to the presidential pardon, Ponder’s criminal record will be removed, although he has already served his term. FBI agent Beazley and Ponder’s wife were also present at the decree signing event, CNN reports.
This video was shown at the Congress of the Republican Party. In addition, a video was released in which Ponder himself and his friend Beasley tell this story.
Republicans officially nominated US President Donald Trump on August 24 for a second term.
Former US Vice President Joe Biden was confirmed last week by Democratic delegates. Trump believes that Biden can win the presidential elections only by rigging them.
At the same time, according to the latest polls, 50% of Americans are ready to vote for Biden, about 46% for Trump.
The US presidential election is scheduled for November 3.