Ex-Detroit Mayor Recounts his Time in Prison and how it changed him
This interview highlights Kwame Kilpatrick’s personal transformation, his shift in political views, and the central role of faith in his life and political perspective. It provides insight into how his time in prison became a catalyst for change, leading to his eventual release and newfound focus on the principles of love, justice, and redemption. Watch this compelling exchange between Kilpatrick and the National News Desk’s Jan Jeffcoat.
Jan Jeffcoat, National News Desk:
Good morning, Mr. Kilpatrick. Thank you for joining us today.
Kwame Kilpatrick:
Good morning, Jan. It’s my pleasure to be here.
Jan Jeffcoat:
You made headlines in 2021 when former President Trump pardoned you after you had served seven years of a 28-year sentence for charges like racketeering and tax evasion. It’s been a few years since your release, and I’m sure many are curious how you went from being a lifelong Democrat to having your sentence commuted by a Republican president. Let’s start there. How did it happen, and what do you think motivated Trump to give you a second chance?
Kwame Kilpatrick:
Well, it’s an interesting question, and I’ll tell you—it wasn’t through some big political network or anything like that. When you’re in prison, you’d be surprised by how many people want nothing to do with you. I wasn’t in contact with many of the people advocating for my release, in fact, I had never even met some of them before. The process was very much orchestrated by God. I think Trump pardoned me simply because he wanted to, not because there were any ulterior motives at play. I remember speaking to Jared Kushner just two weeks after my release, and I was told that many people were interested in helping me. But I’m convinced it was all God’s work.
Jan Jeffcoat:
That’s a powerful perspective. You mentioned how prison changed you. You’ve said before that you were angry when you first arrived, but that you found a path to redemption. Can you talk more about how your time in prison transformed you?
Kwame Kilpatrick:
Absolutely. Prison is a place where time stands still and gives you the space to really reflect. About a year into my sentence, I was mad at myself, mad at the world, even mad at God. I went to the prison chapel, and the chaplain there really helped me see things differently. He taught me that hate only makes you hurt more. I was a guy who had grown up around the church, but I didn’t really know Jesus at that point. When I decided to surrender my heart to Him, everything started changing. I began to take on simple tasks—janitorial work—and that humility helped me focus. As I progressed, I took classes on teaching and leadership. It was in that space that I started to question my political views, and the more my relationship with God grew, the more my outlook on life and politics evolved.
Jan Jeffcoat:
A lot of people have been watching your journey closely, and there are mixed reactions. Some people believe you’re simply trying to align with Trump and his supporters for personal gain. What would you say to those critics?
Kwame Kilpatrick:
It’s funny, because there’s really nothing I can say to convince those who are determined to criticize me. I don’t want them to believe what I say, I want them to believe what they see. In the end, people will judge me by the fruit I bear. And one thing I learned in prison was how to be free from the opinions of others. Once I became free from that, I was able to listen to the Spirit of God, and that’s when things truly changed. For those who are skeptical, I’d just say, stay tuned. The work I’m doing now speaks for itself.
Jan Jeffcoat:
In prison, you had a lot of time to reflect, and you’ve said that this period led you to challenge many of your old beliefs. One thing that stood out was an ad you did for Trump, where you said, “I stopped thinking about people in terms of what party they’re in or what city they’re from or what race they are, and I started to understand that God wants me to do in the government what he desires for us.” Can you elaborate on what that means?
Kwame Kilpatrick:
What I’ve come to understand is that our country’s laws, at their core, align with God’s principles. This nation was founded on the idea that our rights are endowed by our Creator. The first commandment, according to Jesus, is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. The second is to love your neighbor as yourself. All the other laws—whether they deal with justice, fairness, or protecting people—are rooted in those two commandments. If you follow those, everything else falls into place. I believe that God has a purpose for me in the political sphere, and that’s what I’m working toward now.
Jan Jeffcoat:
It’s clear that faith has played a central role in your transformation. As you reflect on the lessons you’ve learned through this journey, what’s the biggest takeaway that you want people to understand about your story?
Kwame Kilpatrick:
The biggest takeaway is that redemption is real. No matter how far you’ve fallen, God is always there, ready to lift you up. I’ve learned that true change comes from the inside out, and that we all have the capacity to turn our lives around if we’re open to God’s guidance. I also want people to understand that we need to look beyond the labels that divide us—whether it’s political party, race, or anything else. At the end of the day, we are all connected as children of God, and it’s that shared humanity that should guide our actions.
Jan Jeffcoat:
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, Mr. Kilpatrick. It’s inspiring to hear how you’ve transformed and how your faith has shaped your views today.
Kwame Kilpatrick:
Thank you, Jan. It’s been a pleasure to share my story, and I hope it can inspire others to seek redemption and change in their own lives.
Jan Jeffcoat:
Thank you again for your time, and best of luck with everything moving forward.
