Jimmy Hoffa
Who pardoned him: Richard Nixon
What he was pardoned for: Jury tampering and fraud
Why it was controversial: Jimmy Hoffa was president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). After Hoffa’s pardon, the IBT endorsed Nixon for President. Though they had supported Nixon in his prior campaign, Nixon was Republican and previously, the IBT had endorsed Democratic candidates. Speculation arose that Hoffa was pardoned in exchange for the IBT’s endorsement, with rumors that there was a $1 million payout to Nixon.