Kerry Washington Says If Donald Trump Can Run for President as a Convicted Felon, We Should Remove the ‘Felon’ Field from Job Applications, and Fans Agree

For many candidates with criminal records, one query blocks them from getting a job — but not Donald Trump.

And actress Kerry Washington desires to know why. When a New York jury found the former president guilty of 34 felonies, many assumed it will limit his aspirations for a second term, but the truth is there isn’t a law that forestalls felons from running for president. So why are felons discriminated against on job applications?

Washington he asked this query in a candid interview with Bustle to advertise the second season of her show UnPrisoned, which premieres July 17. The conversation got into interesting territory when she shared her views on double standards in the criminal justice system.

“Everything has changed in terms of how I feel about the so-called justice system,” she told the publication. “We’re at such an interesting point in terms of (the question), ‘Who is a criminal?’ I love what people are sharing on social media, (saying) if a person who is a convicted felon can still run for president, then we should take that field off job applications.”

The “Scandal” star also added that if criminals can run for president, they must also have the right to vote.

The movement known as “Ban the Box” has gained momentum nationwide because of grassroots civil rights advocacy by the formerly incarcerated group All of Us or None of Us. The latest data shows that 37 states and greater than 150 cities blocked checkbox on job applications asking about criminal histories. The theory is that this offers candidates a fair likelihood at employment by delaying background checks until later in the hiring process.

Felons fare worse in relation to voting rights. Laws in 48 states prohibit individuals with felony convictions from voting no less than a few of the time. An estimated 4.4 million people in the U.S. are disenfranchised due to a current or past felony conviction, in response to the National Employment Law Project.

“This is huge. Huge. The irony is (Governor) Ron DeSantis tried to block it in Trump’s home state,” Washington continued. “A law was passed in Florida that allows ex-convicts to vote, and DeSantis tried to do everything he could to (limit that). Donald Trump may not be able to vote in his home state,” the actress/producer said.

“Being a criminal has become just another box we put people in to judge who they are and what they are capable of, just like we do with gender or race,” she added.

In Florida, convicted felons must undergo a series of hurdles, including fines, fees and court costs, before they will regain their voting rights. But DeSantis has publicly said he would pave the way for Trump, despite his felony convictions. “Given the absurd nature of the New York impeachment of Trump, this would be an easy case to qualify for restoration of rights under the Florida Clemency Board, which I chair.” he published on day X 31 May.

While DeSantis is throwing his weight around, so to talk, public opinion appears to be on Washington’s side and her uncompromising views. The actress’ fans are flooding social media with comments of support and calls to run for office… as her “Scandal” character, Olivia Pope.

“Olivia Pope for president,” one fan declared, while one other exclaimed, “YES I’M DOING IT, OLIVIA POPE,” referring to Washington’s famous role as a Washington crisis manager who once took down a fictional Trump-like character (“Hollis Doyle”) by exposing his racist views.

“I’m rooting for Olivia Pope on this one… She should run… but I’m at the bottom!” joked a fan. Another agreed with Washington and went a step further:

“Get out of your head and add criminals who should also be able to RENT an apartment/house. Why serve a sentence to restrict decent humanity and rights???? You serve a sentence, you are released or have the right to vote or rent a place to live to rehabilitate yourself or find a job to take care of yourself. This is all a joke. Make it make sense. Lord, get out of your head and come back.”

There’s no denying that Olivia Pope can be a fierce leader of the free world. Washington explained her character’s broad appeal in an interview, noting that “Scandal” was probably the first time many individuals allowed a black woman to spend a lot time of their home.

“She was a real human being, beyond the label of ‘black woman.’ (She had) complexity, nuance, flaws, brilliance. She was ambitious and also so chaotic,” Washington said of her character. She added: “Now we allow for that kind of social, psychological deepening with criminals and returning citizens.”

We can only hope.