Bureau of Prisons No. 2 official who was pardoned for drug crimes abruptly departs
Josh Smith, the Bureau of Prisons’ deputy director and a former drug offender who received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, has unexpectedly left his position after about a year in the role. Neither Smith nor the agency provided a reason for his departure. By Sarah N. Lynch, August 25, 2026 / 7:18 PM EDT / CBS News
Smith, who served prison time in the 1990s before becoming a prison reform advocate, said he focused on leadership changes and rehabilitation efforts during his tenure. His appointment was controversial because of his criminal history, but he argued that his experience gave him valuable insight into the prison system.
His leadership style drew mixed reactions. Supporters praised his push for reform and direct engagement with inmates, while critics, including some union officials and former employees, accused him of prioritizing prisoners over staff and disrupting established practices. Questions were also raised about certain contracts awarded during his time at the agency, though Smith denied involvement in procurement decisions and said any outside affiliations had been disclosed.
Smith said he plans to return to his nonprofit and media work, describing his goal at the Bureau as sparking change despite resistance from government bureaucracy.