Beyond the Headlines: The Real Story Behind the First Step Act

Dispelling myths about the bill’s origins and clarifying its bipartisan roots.

A man walks through a prison gate into the warm embrace of his family, bathed in the glow of a new beginning as the sun rises in the background.

Setting the Record Straight

It’s funny how this article came about. After watching a few YouTube channels featuring former prisoners, I noticed a recurring theme—many expressed gratitude to President Trump for the First Step Act. While their appreciation is understandable given the law’s impact on their lives, I couldn’t help but feel something was missing. The reality is that Trump’s involvement was limited to signing the bill into law. The narrative that he was solely responsible overshadows the tireless work of the activists, lawmakers, and community leaders who spent years making this reform possible.

This article isn’t about discrediting anyone—it’s about setting the record straight and giving credit where it’s due. I wanted to dive deeper into the real story behind the First Step Act, highlight the bipartisan roots, and shed light on the individuals whose behind-the-scenes efforts truly made this landmark legislation a reality.

1. Origins: Reform Long Before Trump

Criminal justice reform has been a topic of national conversation for decades. One of the most significant and controversial aspects of the U.S. justice system emerged in the 1980s and 1990s with the introduction of mandatory minimum sentencing laws. These laws were initially designed to combat the rise in drug-related crimes but soon led to disproportionately harsh sentences for non-violent drug offenses, especially impacting communities of color.

How Mandatory Minimums Emerged

The push for mandatory minimums was fueled by the escalating War on Drugs, which intensified under the Reagan administration. In response to growing fears of drug epidemics and rising crime rates, Congress passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, which introduced mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses. For example, possession of just 5 grams of crack cocaine triggered a five-year mandatory minimum sentence, whereas it took 500 grams of powder cocaine to warrant the same penalty. This 100:1 sentencing disparity disproportionately affected Black communities, where crack cocaine was more prevalent due to its lower cost and accessibility, despite powder cocaine being equally prevalent in white and affluent communities.

The legislation was seen as a swift response to public panic and sensationalized media portrayals of urban crime but failed to address the root causes of drug addiction and poverty. Instead, it contributed to an explosion in the prison population, particularly among young Black men.

Impact on Black Communities

The Black community bore the brunt of these policies. By the 1990s, during the “tough on crime” era, subsequent laws such as the 1994 Crime Bill increased prison funding and incentivized states to implement harsher sentencing. As a result:

• One in three Black men born in 2001 was projected to face incarceration at some point in his life.

  
  

• Black Americans accounted for 80–90% of those convicted under harsh crack cocaine laws despite similar drug usage rates across racial groups.

  
  

• Families in predominantly Black neighborhoods were torn apart, creating long-term economic and social challenges.

  
  

These policies disproportionately criminalized Black individuals for low-level, non-violent drug offenses, leading to mass incarceration that disrupted generations. The effects went beyond imprisonment, impacting employment opportunities, housing access, voting rights, and family structures within these communities.

Why Reform Was Urgently Needed

By the early 2000s, the devastating effects of mandatory minimums became undeniable. Lawmakers, activists, and community leaders began acknowledging that the punitive approach had failed to reduce crime effectively and instead inflicted lasting harm, particularly on marginalized communities. Studies revealed that mandatory minimums did not deter drug use or distribution but overcrowded prisons with non-violent offenders while violent crime persisted.

Under President Barack Obama, there was significant momentum around reducing mass incarceration and reforming sentencing guidelines. Initiatives like the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 aimed to address the crack-to-powder cocaine disparity by reducing the ratio from 100:1 to 18:1. Although meaningful progress was made, comprehensive reform was still pending, leaving many individuals serving excessively long sentences.

During this period, organizations such as #cut50 (co-founded by Van Jones and Jessica Jackson) and Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) were on the front lines, advocating for bipartisan solutions and bringing attention to the human cost of these policies. Their efforts, combined with growing public awareness, laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the First Step Act.

2. Bipartisan Effort: The Real Players

The First Step Act would not have materialized without the collaborative work of both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Key figures included:

• Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA): A crucial Republican voice who pushed for comprehensive criminal justice reform.

  
  

• Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL): Worked closely with Grassley to shape sentencing reform provisions.

  
  

• Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA): Co-sponsors in the House, demonstrating cross-party unity.

  
  

Additionally, Jared Kushner, Trump’s senior advisor, was personally invested in the issue due to his family’s experiences with the justice system. His role helped bridge gaps between advocates and the White House.

Grassroots organizations and formerly incarcerated individuals played an indispensable role by sharing real stories, providing data, and pressing lawmakers to act. Their persistent advocacy ensured that the conversation remained focused on human impact rather than partisan politics.

3. What the First Step Act Actually Does

The First Step Act addresses several key aspects of the U.S. criminal justice system, including:

• Sentencing Reforms: Reduces mandatory minimum sentences for certain non-violent drug offenses and eliminates “stacking” charges for first-time offenders.

  
  

• Rehabilitation Programs: Expands vocational training and educational programs for incarcerated individuals.

  
  

• Compassionate Release: Eases restrictions, allowing elderly and terminally ill inmates a chance at early release.

  
  

• Recidivism Reduction: Implements a risk assessment system to better prepare inmates for reentry into society.

  
  

• Fair Sentencing Adjustments: Retroactively applies the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, benefiting those previously convicted under harsher guidelines.

  
  

4. Debunking the Trump-Centric Narrative

While Trump signed the bill into law, suggesting he single-handedly orchestrated the reform is misleading. His administration provided critical support, but the legislation's backbone resulted from years of negotiations, community activism, and bipartisan cooperation.

Even some of Trump’s harshest critics acknowledged the importance of the bill—not as a political win for him but as a victory for incarcerated individuals, their families, and communities devastated by mass incarceration. Van Jones, a vocal progressive, publicly praised the bipartisan collaboration, emphasizing that real change requires crossing party lines.

5. Looking Ahead: Is It Really the "First Step"?

Despite its name, many reform advocates argue that the First Step Act is just that—a first step. Areas such as police reform, broader sentencing overhaul, and reentry support still need attention. Bipartisan cooperation remains essential to address these gaps.

Organizations continue to push for a "Second Step Act" and beyond, aiming to build upon the foundation laid by this legislation. The challenge now is ensuring momentum doesn’t stall in an increasingly polarized political landscape.

Beyond Politics, It’s About People

The First Step Act serves as a rare example of bipartisan collaboration in an era of political division. While Trump’s signature made it law, the credit belongs to a coalition of lawmakers, advocates, and communities who refused to let partisanship stand in the way of meaningful reform.

As the conversation around criminal justice continues, it’s vital to focus on the people impacted rather than political point-scoring. Real lives are changed when both sides come together for the common good—and that’s the real story behind the First Step Act.

Call to Action: How You Can Get Involved

✅ Contact Your Representatives: Urge them to support further criminal justice reform efforts.

✅ Support Organizations: Donate or volunteer with groups like #cut50, FAMM, and The Sentencing Project.

✅ Share Personal Stories: Amplify the voices of those directly impacted through social media.

✅ Stay Informed: Follow updates on legislative developments and upcoming reform proposals.

✅ Attend Local Meetings: Join community forums discussing justice reform in your area.

👉 Let your voice be heard. Change begins when individuals take action beyond the headlines.

ONETEN Magazine — Bold, Raw, and Unapologetic.