The second-highest ranking official in the Bureau of Prisons unexpectedly announced Monday night that he was leaving his post in the second Trump administration in order to work at a nonprofit.

Josh Smith, who served as the Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, said he was going to work for the prison reform nonprofit Fourth Purpose Foundation and Prison Life Media.

Smith was pardoned by President Donald Trump for drug-related offenses in 2021, shortly before the president left office for the first time. 

"[Twenty-seven] years ago, I could never have imagined this journey—from federal inmate, to a presidential pardon, to helping lead the federal prison system," Smith said in a social media post Monday night. "Serving in President Trump’s administration has been one of the greatest honors of my life. 

"I will forever be grateful to President Trump for believing in second chances and giving me this historic opportunity to serve our country, and to Attorney General Todd Blanche, and the men and women of the BOP for the opportunity to serve alongside them," he added.

The Bureau of Prisons also confirmed Smith's departure Tuesday, but did not indicate who would replace him at the interim level.

"On behalf of the Bureau, I want to thank Josh for his service and contributions and wish him and his family all the best in the future," BOP Director William Marshall said in a statement. "The bureau remains focused on our mission of protecting public safety, maintaining safe and secure facilities, and supporting our workforce and the individuals in our care."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.