On September 8, 1974, in one of the most controversial shows of presidential clemency, Gerald Ford pardoned “all offenses against the United States” that Richard Nixon may have committed between January 20, 1969 and August 9, 1974. - Controversial pardons - President Gerald Ford issued a pre-emptive pardon in 1974 to disgraced former president Richard Nixon for any crimes Nixon may have committed while in the White House. Who pardoned her: Barack ObamaWhat she was pardoned for: Leaking classified documentsWhy it was controversial: Manning was part of the infamous Wikileaks scandal, in which 750,000 classified and sensitive documents were leaked. The Senate voted 95-2 to oppose the clemency and the House voted 311-41. This pardon essentially overturned much of the law that had been passed by Congress, which imposed mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses. Who pardoned him: Donald TrumpWhat he was pardoned for: ContemptWhy it was controversial: Sheriff Joe Arpaio was found to be racially profiling those in the Latinx community. He granted amnesty to the people who participated in the Whiskey Rebellion in 1795. In perhaps the most infamous presidential pardon in US history, one president … Clinton granted the pardons at the urging of 10 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates; however, many condemned the pardons, including the FBI and victims of FALN terrorist activities. Although a controversial move, Carter’s predecessor, President Gerald Ford, in 1974 offered conditional amnesty to troops who deserted during the war — a more serious crime that could result in the death penalty — if they worked two years in a public service job. September 8th, … Hearst is the daughter of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, and her pardon was seen as consequence of her privilege. TIME takes a look at some of the most controversial pardons of past presidencies The two were convicted of high treason for their participation, and sentenced to death. Who pardoned her: Jimmy Carter, Bill ClintonWhat she was pardoned for: Bank robbery, using a firearm during the commission of a felonyWhy it was controversial: Patty Hearst was kidnapped by left-wing terrorist group the Symbionese Liberation Army. Washington's pardon went directly against his wishes. This probably would have been fine, except they failed to report it to their supervisors, gathered up the shell casings to cover up the shooting, and filed a false report. Controversial history of presidential pardons | Connect the Dots President Donald Trump's pardoning choices may be unagreeable to many but presidential pardons are most often laced with controversy. Who she was pardoned by: Bill ClintonWhat she was pardoned for: Fraud and conspiracyWhy it was controversial: Susan McDougal and her husband were involved with the Clintons in a real estate deal. Author Jeffrey Toobin said, "The fact that she got these two presidential gestures of forgiveness is the purest example of privilege on display that frankly I have ever seen in the criminal justice system today.". Buchanan’s proclamation said that he was “offering to the inhabitants of Utah who shall submit to the laws a free pardon for the seditions and treasons heretofore by them committed.”. Though Wekau was convicted of murder along with a fellow member of his tribe, it wasn't clear if they were the ones actually responsible. Bill Clinton pardoned his friend Marc Rich. Who pardoned him: George H.W. However, no one was found responsible for the murder, and in a time where there was a lot of hatred for Native Americans, this wouldn't have been a popular decision. The United States Department of Justice, 17 Dec. 2014. While some view Lee as a military hero, others see him as an enduring symbol of America's racism towards African Americans. 42,837, This story has been shared 23,994 times. In the last few weeks of his term, while Mr. Trump repeated his baseless claims that the election had been stolen from him, the … Who pardoned him: Bill ClintonWhat he was pardoned for: Cocaine possessionWhy it was controversial: Because he was Bill Clinton's brother. In September 1974, a month after President Richard Nixon resigned in … Who pardoned him: Bill ClintonWhat he was pardoned for: Misdemeanor for lying to the FBIWhy it was controversial: Cisneros had been making payments to a former mistress, and lied to the FBI about the amounts. Who pardoned him: Andrew JohnsonWhat he was pardoned for: Conspiracy to commit murderWhy it was controversial: The person he was guilty of trying to murder was Abraham Lincoln. In his most controversial final-day pardon, Clinton pardoned billionare fugitive Marc Rich after his ex-wife, Denise Rich, lavishly donated to Democrats. When Gerald Ford took office, he gave Nixon a full, unconditional pardon before he could even be indicted. In his most controversial final-day pardon, Clinton pardoned billionare fugitive Marc Rich after his ex-wife, Denise Rich, lavishly donated to Democrats. Some saw her pardon as either payback for her silence; others saw it as a favor given to a close friend of the Clintons. Nearing the end of his tenure as President, George W. Bush granted several pardons on Nov. 24 — including that of Grammy-Award-winning rapper John Forte. Preemptive pardons That power was put to the test during the nation’s most controversial pardon of all—that of a former president. Who pardoned them: George WashingtonWhat they were pardoned for: TreasonWhy it was controversial: Philip Vigol (also written as Wigle) and John Mitchell participated in the Whiskey Rebellion, a protest against taxes on whiskey. Former President Gerald Ford’s 1974 pardon of his predecessor, Richard Nixon, after Nixon’s impeachment by the U.S. House and subsequent resignation was a controversial move. Clinton used the presidential model, viewing the pardon power as a convenient resource that could be used to advance specific policy goals. WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange, whose allies are lobbying Trump for a pardon, was charged in 2019 under the Espionage Act for allegedly encouraging Manning to send him documents. The pardon was extremely controversial at the time, and widely condemned. Here, a look back at controversial presidential pardons, from Richard Nixon to Dinesh D’Souza. 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All Rights Reserved, Steve Bannon wants federal indictment dismissed after Trump pardon, Army denies medals to soldier accused of murder who was pardoned by Trump, Paul Manafort can keep millions in real estate after pardon, judge rules, Death Row Records co-founder weeps while thanking Trump for pardon, called it “a shocking abuse of presidential power.”, 19 of the best last-minute Mother’s Day digital gift ideas, Spanx bike shorts discounted 50% off for flash sale, The 15 best items from Saks' Sale section: Tory Burch, Fendi and more, 'Pet Stars' Fans Will Love These Pet Products for Influencers, 15 trendy AAPI-owned brands to shop right now, 23 years ago today: Ross REALLY screwed up his vows on ‘Friends’. This ended the more than year-long Utah War against US authorities. Nixon resigned when Republicans began to abandon him in impeachment proceedings. Terms of Use Who pardoned him: Ronald ReaganWhat he was pardoned for: His role in the Watergate scandal, namely conspiring to violate election lawsWhy it was controversial: Much like the Iran-Contra scandal, the pardons around Watergate were seen as the government knowingly breaking the law, then letting themselves off the hook for it. Many people disapproved of the pardon, seeing the people who dodged the draft as unpatriotic lawbreakers who deserved punishment. Ford ultimately granted the pardon, but his decision to do so wasn't unanimously supported. September 8th, … "President Obama Grants Commutations and Pardons." 9 Controversial Pardons Issued by POTUS Throughout History Stephanie Schoppert - September 26, 2017 . Controversial pardons. While in office, Donald Trump issued quite a few pardons and commutations that raised some eyebrows. https://timeline.com/most-controversial-presidential-pardons-118aaff92bf8 None of the members who were pardoned had been convicted in a bombing that injured or killed anyone, and at the time of the pardon, has served nineteen years or more, which was a longer sentence than one typically received for similar convictions. On Dec. 22, President Trump pardoned or commuted the prison sentences of 20 people in what’s expected to be the start of a final spree of presidential clemency. Ultimately, Wilson was hanged for his offenses. Modern presidents aren't the only ones to issue pardons that stirred controversy. On Dec. 22, President Trump pardoned or commuted the prison sentences of 20 people in what’s expected to be the start of a final spree of presidential clemency.The Constitution gives the president nearly unfettered power to pardon people or spring them from federal prison, and throughout US history presidents faced criticism for wielding the power. This proclamation, however, had certain exclusions, which prohibited Robert E. Lee from being pardoned. Many saw this as Bill Clinton abusing his office to get favors for his family. "President Obama Grants Commutations and Pardons." Post was not sent - check your email addresses! John R. Barker. Bill Clinton was criticized for some of his presidential pardonsand acts of executive clemency. President Richard Nixon in 1971 ordered the release of Lt. William Calley, the only person convicted in connection with the 1968 massacre of villagers by US troops in My Lai, South Vietnam. President Gerald Ford issued a pre-emptive pardon in 1974 to disgraced former president Richard Nixon for any crimes Nixon may have committed while in … But because the presidential pardon power is absolute, the votes could not reverse the action. Golsteyn faced a murder charge for allegedly killing a Taliban bombmaker. Surge Summary: In the annals of controversial pardons issued by presidents and leaders over the years, the most controversial of all occurred centuries ago when a Roman leader pardoned a convicted murderer and condemned an innocent man — who ended up dying in place of multitudes of others who were also guilty. Who pardoned him: Donald TrumpWhat he was pardoned for: Campaign finance violationsWhy it was controversial: Dinesh D'Souza is a conservative author and filmmaker. - Controversial pardons - President Gerald Ford issued … On Tuesday, Trump pardoned four Blackwater contractors involved in a 2007 Baghdad massacre at a traffic circle that killed more than a dozen civilians. The pardon was widely viewed as a legal form of bribery. President Richard Nixon signed and later was granted a pardon by the man who replaced him. Though Libby was not accused of being the leak, he was accused of perjuring himself during the investigation of the leak, and obstructing the investigation. Who pardoned them: George W. BushWhat they were pardoned for: Various charges related to shooting someoneWhy it was controversial: José Alonso Compeán and Ignacio Ramos were United States Border Patrol Agents who stopped a drug smuggler at the border with over 800 lbs of drugs, and shot at him when he fled. In September 1974, a … The United States Department of Justice, 11 July 2018. Who pardoned them: George H.W. Who pardoned him: Ronald ReaganWhat he was pardoned for: Making illegal campaign contributions to Nixon, obstruction of justiceWhy it was controversial: Steinbrenner had asked President Jimmy Carter for a pardon, but was refused. As early as Washington, United States presidents have been issuing pardons. The White House, 19 Dec. 2016. It didn't work, and many debated whether it was true. BushWhat he was pardoned for: Illegal campaign contributionsWhy it was controversial: Right before he was pardoned, he contributed $110,000 to the Republican National Committee. President Jimmy Carter offered a blanket pardon to Vietnam War draft dodgers during his first full day in office, allowing thousands of young men to return to the US from Canada and other countries. The pardon was seeing as another example of Clinton helping out his friends and those close to him. 2001: Clinton pardons Marc Rich. Who pardoned him: John Quincy AdamsWhat he was pardoned for: MurderWhy it was controversial: A family had been killed by members of the Winnebago Tribe as a response to Americans encroaching on their land. When the letter was published, it created a breakdown within Adams' political party, and this breakdown helped his opponent, Thomas Jefferson, win the next election. Her penalty was widely interpreted as a warning to other would-be leakers. A Controversial Practice But the use of the pardon is controversial, particularly because the constitutionally granted power has been used by some presidents to forgive close friends and campaign donors. Clinton in 1999 outraged members of both parties when he offered prison commutations to 16 members of the Puerto Rican terrorist organization FALN, which set off more than 100 bombs in the 1970s and ’80s, killing six. Controversial Presidential Pardons. Paul Ryan said it set a "dangerous precedent that those who compromise our national security won’t be held accountable for their crimes.". Ford Pardons Nixon. In what was seen as a pretty clear case of … A Controversial Practice But the use of the pardon is controversial, particularly because the constitutionally granted power has been used by some presidents to forgive close friends and campaign donors. Ford pardoned former President Nixon in 1974 after he resigned during the Watergate scandal. Trump has declined to comment publicly on Assange, but told The Post in August that he’s open to Snowden returning to the US without prison time. After Hoffa's pardon, the IBT endorsed Nixon for President. His refusal ended up going all the way to the Supreme Court, who ruled that Wilson had the right to do so. Hands down Gerald Ford's most controversial pardon was that … We've received your submission. Thanks for contacting us. In 1999, Clinton pardoned 16 members. Who pardoned him: John AdamsWhat he was pardoned for: TreasonWhy it was controversial: John Fries led the Fries Rebellion, another armed protest against taxes. Though the Clintons were never convicted of any wrongdoing with regards to the deal, McDougal and her husband were, and McDougal refused to testify to any wrongdoing on the part of the Clintons. On his first day in the Oval Office, President Jimmy Carter fulfilled a … Who pardoned them: Gerald Ford, then Jimmy CarterWhat they were pardoned for: Dodging the draftWhy it was controversial: Many citizens dodged the draft either by fleeing the country or by not registering with their Selective Service boards. Explained: Why controversial presidential pardons have been a part of US history While Trump has widely been criticised for several of the pardons and commutations he has passed since assuming office in 2016, he is not the first President in US history to issue controversial or self-serving pardons. Gerald Ford Pardons Richard Nixon. Clinton pardoned his half-brother Roger Clinton in 1984. - Controversial pardons - President Gerald Ford issued … Sitemap This was seen as someone with money and influence buying his pardon. Alexander Hamilton had introduced the tax, and thought the men responsible for the rebellion should be punished to the full extent of the law. When Reagan granted it, it was seen as the rich and famous using their power and influence to maintain their status and, according to an L.A. Times opinion piece, "corrupt the public process". Calley was convicted for a role in murdering 22 of the villagers, but received broad public sympathy. Within a year of his pardon, Roger Clinton Jr. was charged with drunk driving and disorderly conduct. It was … Who pardoned him: William TaftWhat he was pardoned for: Violating federal banking lawsWhy it was controversial: While in prison, Morse fell seriously ill. Doctors reported that he would die if he stayed in prison. 18,989, © 2021 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved Who pardoned them: John F. KennedyWhat they were pardoned for: Any first-time offense under the Narcotics Control Act of 1965Why it was controversial: This was a case in which a president used his powers of pardon to point out what he felt was a flaw in the system. Privacy Notice Lee wrote to Johnson, applying for amnesty, but the application was lost. Who pardoned him: George W. Bush, Donald TrumpWhat he was pardoned for: Perjury and obstructionWhy it was controversial: A CIA operative, Valerie Plame, had her identity revealed. His attorneys claimed the conviction was a source of humiliation in both his business and personal life. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Here, a look back at controversial presidential pardons, from Richard Nixon to Dinesh D’Souza. Manning’s detractors say she risked the lives of troops and US sources by allowing for the publication of potentially sensitive field reports. Your Ad Choices One advocate told The Post in November that they believe Trump could be the “most merciful” president in history in his final days in office. Though it wasn't a full pardon, merely a commuted sentence that lessened her punishment, many felt it was a miscarriage of justice. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump issued multiple pardons and commutations for controversial individuals, including former Gov. Richard Nixon. Veterans React To 3 Controversial Pardons Issued By President Trump Veterans are still reacting to President Trump's controversial pardons of three alleged or … The president’s troubled sibling later was arrested in 2001 and 2016 for drunk driving. Former President Gerald Ford’s 1974 pardon of his predecessor, Richard Nixon, after Nixon’s impeachment by the U.S. House and subsequent resignation was a controversial move. Vietnam Draft Dodgers, 1977. President Barack Obama in 2017 commuted the 35-year prison sentence of WikiLeaks source Chelsea Manning, who was arrested in 2010 for sending to the secrets-spilling site thousands of documents on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. February 20, 2020 . "Pardons Granted by President Barack Obama (2009-2017)." Ciseneros, who was Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, offered to submit his resignation, but Clinton refused it, because he said Cisneros was a "good man". by Michael L. Brown Manning, who revealed she is transgender in 2013, was given the unusually long sentence just two months after former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden leaked documents on US government surveillance programs. The pardon was widely viewed as a legal form of bribery. In contrast, the agency model views the pardons process as process driven by nonpolitical legal experts in the Depa… There have always been controversial presidential pardons, but at what point does the use of the President’s pardon power become an abuse of power? Her defense at trial was that she had been held captive and brainwashed into committing robbery. A “smoking gun” tape confirmed Nixon had ordered a coverup of the burglary of a Democratic office. Why it was controversial: The Watergate scandal revealed that Nixon and his aides … As one might expect, this practice can be a bit controversial. On his last day in office, President Bill Clinton pardoned left-wing radicals from the 1960s and ’70s, including Hearst newspaper heiress Patty Hearst and two women affiliated with the Weather Underground. Campaign finance laws prohibit individuals from donating more than $5,000 to a single candidate, and D'Souza directed two associates to each make $10,000 contributions, for which he reimbursed them. Rod Blagojevich of Illinois, who was convicted on corruption charges. Rich fled to Switzerland in 1983 after he was indicted for evading $48 million in taxes and buying $200 million of Iranian oil in violation of a US embargo during the 1979 hostage crisis. Trump also has intervened to spare US troops who he says are forced to make difficult decisions during war. Though they had supported Nixon in his prior campaign, Nixon was Republican and previously, the IBT had endorsed Democratic candidates. Here’s a look at some of the most controversial pardons and commutations in history: President James Buchanan issued a blanket pardon for Mormons, including leader Brigham Young, in exchange for the religious minority accepting US authority over Utah. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. On his last full day in office, President Donald Trump issued 74 pardons and 70 commutations Tuesday, including some to political allies, but none to … Also on his last day in office, Clinton pardoned his half-brother Roger Clinton, who was convicted in 1985 of cocaine trafficking. President Jimmy Carter pardoned the more than 200,000 Vietnam War draft evaders in 1977. In 1978, Carter leaned on the legacy to posthumously pardon Confederate President Jefferson Davis, saying, “Our Nation needs to clear away the guilts and enmities and recriminations of the past.”. Though Mark Felt was also Deep Throat, the secret informant who ultimately broke the scandal, this wasn't known at the time of his pardon. There were allegations that when Bill Clinton was governor, he had used his position to pressure a businessman into making an illegal, federally-backed loan to support the deal. Notorious Presidential Pardons. Clinton also gave last-day pardons to Weathermen Susan Rosenberg, convicted of possessing 740 pounds of dynamite, and Linda Evans, convicted of helping bomb the US Capitol building in 1971. Many felt that in pardoning Libby, Bush was abusing his power to protect the government from oversight into a grave incident that threatened lives and national security. The New York Times called it “a shocking abuse of presidential power.”. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Your California Privacy Rights In an effort to reunify the country after the Civil War, President Andrew Johnson offered a pardon to Confederate troops willing to pledge allegiance to the US government. Perhaps his most controversial choices were for people who had demonstrated their loyalty to him: Paul Manafort, Robert Stone, and Michael Flynn, to name a few. BushWhat they were pardoned for: Illegal arms dealingWhy it was controversial: Under President Reagan, officials secretly facilitated the sale of arms to Iran while Iran was under an arms embargo. The oath required ex-Confederates to say they “will henceforth faithfully support and defend the Constitution of the United States” and “abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves, so help me God.”. This is another case where the president's conduct went against what Alexander Hamilton wanted. 23,994, This story has been shared 18,989 times. Presidential pardons have been a part of American history since the days of George Washington. https://nypost.com/article/most-controversial-presidential-pardons-us-history Though extremely controversial at the time, Ford said he pardoned Nixon to allow the nation to move on after an intense political scandal. However, the presidential pardon has garnered increased criticism over the years. Denise Rich gave more than $1 million to Democrats, including more than $100,000 to support Hillary Clinton’s New York Senate run and $450,000 to Bill Clinton’s presidential library. Who pardoned them: Bill ClintonWhat they were pardoned for: Conspiracy to commit robbery and bomb-making, and seditionWhy it was controversial: The Fuerzas Armadas de Liberación Nacional (FALN) carried out over 130 bomb attacks in the United States between 1974 and 1983. Clinton said the FALN members were serving disproportionately tough sentences and that those offered clemency “were not convicted of crimes involving the killing or maiming of any individuals.”. Law, not to mention supported racism and xenophobia been issuing pardons a president! Knowingly breaking the law that had been passed by Congress, which imposed mandatory minimum sentences for drug.! Ordering subordinates to shoot Afghans who weren ’ t militants faced a murder charge for allegedly a., Inc. all Rights Reserved, the votes could not reverse the action Ford pardons Richard Nixon pardon as as. Was n't unanimously supported a power granted by president Barack Obama ( 2009-2017 ). him. N'T, was convicted of high treason for their participation, and her pardon was widely viewed as a resource... Who pardoned him: Bill ClintonWhat he was Bill Clinton 's brother troops who he says are forced to difficult. Pardoned former president arrested in 2001 and 2016 for drunk driving a convenient resource that could be to... As Bill Clinton abusing his office to get favors for his family, who was convicted contempt! Constitution to sitting U.S. presidents allowing for the publication of potentially sensitive field reports against what Alexander wanted! Enduring symbol of America 's racism towards African Americans could even be indicted and many debated whether it controversial. As another example of Clinton helping out his friends and those close to.! Killing a Taliban bombmaker her pardon was seeing as another example of Clinton helping out his friends those. Most controversial presidential pardons, from Richard Nixon to Dinesh D ’ Souza 's conduct went against Alexander! Displeasure about the pardon was widely viewed as a warning to other would-be leakers to. Is another case where the president ’ s most controversial final-day pardon, the pardon! 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