No, there is no official record or policy from the Trump administration that shows former President Donald Trump formally banned the use of the word “felon” in the White House. However, the conversation around replacing stigmatizing language like “felon” with more neutral terms such as “formerly incarcerated person” or “justice-involved individual” has gained traction—just not under Trump’s leadership.
Origin of the Claim
The idea that Trump banned the word “felon” likely stems from confusion or misreporting, possibly blending with real policy shifts from other administrations or state-level initiatives. For example:
In 2021, President Joe Biden’s administration encouraged more people-first language in federal agencies. The Department of Justice recommended using terms like “person in prison” or “individual on parole,” instead of “felon” or “convict.”
That change was not during Trump’s presidency, which lasted from January 2017 to January 2021.
Did Trump Promote People-First Language?
Not exactly. Donald Trump’s administration did not champion or even lightly advocate for a shift away from the word “felon.” In fact, during his presidency:
- Federal communications continued using traditional legal terms, including “felon,” “inmate,” “offender,” and “criminal.”
- Trump was more focused on criminal justice reform through policy, like the First Step Act, rather than language reforms.
Let’s Talk About the First Step Act
The First Step Act, signed into law by Trump in December 2018, was one of the most significant criminal justice reform bills in years.
Key Points:
- Reduced mandatory minimums for certain non-violent drug offenses.
- Expanded rehabilitation programs and earned time credits.
- Allowed some inmates to serve more time in halfway houses or home confinement.
Nowhere in the First Step Act—or any executive order or official memo—did Trump discuss language changes around terms like “felon.”
Why Does the Word “Felon” Matter?
Words shape how we think. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) and organizations like the Vera Institute of Justice, terms like “felon” and “convict” can dehumanize people and make reintegration harder after incarceration.
For example, the APA encourages the use of “person-first language” like “person with a felony conviction” instead of “felon.”
These shifts are about reducing stigma and improving outcomes for people reentering society.
What Terms Were Actually Used During Trump’s Presidency?
Public documents from the Trump era—including press releases, DOJ communications, and executive orders—frequently used:
- Felon
- Offender
- Inmate
- Prisoner
There were no internal style guides or memos in the Trump White House suggesting a change in vocabulary. This is in stark contrast to what we saw later from the Biden administration.
More Opportunities: Can a Felon Get Social Security Disability?
What Are the Political Implications?
Language reform often aligns with progressive criminal justice policies, which are typically more embraced by Democrats than Republicans.
Under Trump:
- Criminals were discussed using traditional legal and enforcement language.
- There was no significant push to soften the tone or shift to person-first phrasing.
- Trump’s rhetoric, especially around law and order, leaned toward a tough-on-crime stance.
Banning or replacing the word “felon” would’ve signaled a major shift in ideology—not something reflected in his public addresses or policies.
Social Media and the Misinformation Loop
A quick scan of viral tweets and Reddit threads shows where the confusion might’ve started. Some users mistakenly attributed language reform efforts from Biden’s DOJ to Trump’s administration.
This is a common issue in political discourse—when headlines or snippets of truth get shared without context, they grow into persistent myths.
“Trump banned the word felon. He’s the real reformer.” This action never occurred under Trump.
Comparison: Trump vs Biden on Language Around Incarceration
| Aspect | Trump (2017–2021) | Biden (2021–Present) |
| Use of “Felon” | Frequently used in speeches and policies | Discouraged in federal communications |
| DOJ Language Guidance | None issued | Issued person-first language guidance |
| Criminal Justice Reform | First Step Act | Expanded reintegration and rehabilitation |
| Political Tone | Tough-on-crime, traditional vocabulary | Reform-focused, language-sensitive |
Related Efforts at the State Level
Several U.S. states and local governments have independently moved away from using the word “felon” in official communications:
- New York City (2020): Announced plans to phase out “inmate” and “felon” in favor of “justice-involved individual.”
- San Francisco (2019): Rolled out new guidelines eliminating terms like “ex-con” or “felon” in government documents.
- Colorado (2021): Passed legislation to remove the term “felon” from state laws.
But again, these were not federal changes under Trump.
Expert Opinions on Language and Labels
Dr. Kelly Lytle Hernández, a professor of history and director at the UCLA Bunche Center, explains:
“Labels like ‘felon’ do more than describe—they confine. They shape public opinion, limit opportunity, and reinforce a cycle of marginalization.”
Marc Mauer, from The Sentencing Project, emphasizes:
“Language reforms are crucial. They remind us that a person’s identity is more than their worst mistake.”
What’s the Bottom Line?
- There is no evidence that Donald Trump banned the word “felon” in the White House.
- Trump’s administration focused on policy-based criminal justice reform, not language changes.
- Biden’s administration, not Trump’s, introduced official guidance on people-first language in federal agencies.
- The word “felon” remains widely used in federal law and legal documents, unless specifically updated or replaced.
FAQs
Did Trump ban the word “felon” in official memos?
No. There’s no executive order, memo, or federal directive under Trump banning that term.
When did federal agencies begin discouraging the use of “felon”?
In 2021, under President Biden, the DOJ and other agencies began shifting toward person-first language.
Why is the word “felon” considered problematic?
It’s seen as a label that reduces individuals to their criminal record, limiting their chance for reintegration and employment.
Is it illegal to use the word “felon” now?
No. It’s still a legal term, but agencies and advocacy groups encourage using more inclusive alternatives.
