The Most Controversial Presidential Pardons in US History

Modern presidents aren’t the only ones to issue pardons that stirred controversy. As early as Washington, United States presidents have been issuing pardons.

And not all of them were met with widespread approval…

Richard Nixon

Who pardoned him: Gerald Ford
What he was pardoned for: Involvement in the Watergate scandal
Why it was controversial: The Watergate scandal revealed that Nixon and his aides had not only participated in illegal activities during his re-election campaign, but they had attempted to cover it up. When Gerald Ford took office, he gave Nixon a full, unconditional pardon before he could even be indicted. The pardon was extremely controversial at the time, and widely condemned.

George Steinbrenner

Who pardoned him: Ronald Reagan
What he was pardoned for: Making illegal campaign contributions to Nixon, obstruction of justice
Why it was controversial: Steinbrenner had asked President Jimmy Carter for a pardon, but was refused. His attorneys claimed the conviction was a source of humiliation in both his business and personal life. 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“.

Philip Vigol and John Mitchell

Who pardoned them: George Washington
What they were pardoned for: Treason
Why it was controversial: Philip Vigol (also written as Wigle) and John Mitchell participated in the Whiskey Rebellion, a protest against taxes on whiskey. The two were convicted of high treason for their participation, and sentenced to death. Alexander Hamilton had introduced the tax, and thought the men responsible for the rebellion should be punished to the full extent of the law. Washington’s pardon went directly against his wishes.

John Fries

Who pardoned him: John Adams
What he was pardoned for: Treason
Why it was controversial: John Fries led the Fries Rebellion, another armed protest against taxes. This is another case where the president’s conduct went against what Alexander Hamilton wanted. Hamilton wrote to others expressing his displeasure about the pardon as well as his general disdain for Adams’ conduct. 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.