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Random President's Most Controversial Pardonreport

Andrew Johnson Pardons Man Who Aided Lincoln's Assassin

[ranking: 1]
Dr. Samuel Mudd helped Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth, escape shortly after Booth shot Lincoln.

Hands down Gerald Ford's most controversial pardon was that of Richard Nixon. The former president received a full, unconditional pardon for his role in the Watergate Scandal, which resulted in his resignation.

Gerald Ford Pardons Richard Nixon

[ranking: 2]
Hands down Gerald Ford's most controversial pardon was that of Richard Nixon. The former president received a full, unconditional pardon for his role in the Watergate Scandal, which resulted in his resignation.

Bill Clinton kept it in the family when granting controversial pardons. He pardoned his brother, Roger Clinton, Jr., for 1985 convictions of cocaine possession and drug-trafficking.

Bill Clinton Pardons His Own Brother

[ranking: 3]
Bill Clinton kept it in the family when granting controversial pardons. He pardoned his brother, Roger Clinton, Jr., for 1985 convictions of cocaine possession and drug-trafficking.

Calvin Coolidge Pardons German spy

[ranking: 4]
Calvin Coolidge had a few controversial pardons of his own, including that of German spy Lothar Witzke.

George H. W. Bush Pardons Man After $100,000 Campaign Donation

[ranking: 5]
George H. W. Bush pardoned Armand Hammer for his crime of making illegal contributions to the Nixon campaign.

Woodrow Wilson issued the only full executive pardon to someone convicted under the Espionage Act when he pardoned Frederick Krafft in 1918. Krafft was accused - and found guilty of - attempting to cause insubordination and disloyalty towards the American government and armed forces.

Woodrow Wilson Pardons Known Spy

[ranking: 6]
Woodrow Wilson issued the only full executive pardon to someone convicted under the Espionage Act when he pardoned Frederick Krafft in 1918. Krafft was accused - and found guilty of - attempting to cause insubordination and disloyalty towards the American government and armed forces.

Dwight D. Eisenhower's decision to commute the death sentence of Maurice Schick – who brutally murdered a young girl at a US Army camp in Japan – to life in prison without the possibility of parole went all the way to the Supreme Court.

Dwight D. Eisenhower Commutes Confessed Murderer's Sentence

[ranking: 7]
Dwight D. Eisenhower's decision to commute the death sentence of Maurice Schick – who brutally murdered a young girl at a US Army camp in Japan – to life in prison without the possibility of parole went all the way to the Supreme Court.

One of Donald Trump's most controversial pardons was that of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Arpaio was convicted of contempt of court for illegally detaining people without reasonable evidence after being ordered to cease these practices.

Donald Trump Pardons Joe Arpaio

[ranking: 8]
One of Donald Trump's most controversial pardons was that of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Arpaio was convicted of contempt of court for illegally detaining people without reasonable evidence after being ordered to cease these practices.

Alexander McKenzie helped secure the appointments of many political figures in Alaska. He then used political favors as a way to get the same judges to take gold mines from their rightful owners and give them to him. After being ordered by a high court to return the mines to their owners, McKenzie did nothing and was eventually found guilty of contempt of court.

William McKinley Pardons A Corrupt Politician

[ranking: 9]
Alexander McKenzie helped secure the appointments of many political figures in Alaska. He then used political favors as a way to get the same judges to take gold mines from their rightful owners and give them to him. After being ordered by a high court to return the mines to their owners, McKenzie did nothing and was eventually found guilty of contempt of court.

John Quincy Adams pardoning of Ho-Chuck leaders Wekau and Chickhonsic, who were convicted of murder, was one of the first truly controversial presidential pardons.

John Quincy Adams Trades Pardon For Land

[ranking: 10]
John Quincy Adams pardoning of Ho-Chuck leaders Wekau and Chickhonsic, who were convicted of murder, was one of the first truly controversial presidential pardons.

Richard Nixon Commutes The Sentence Of Jimmy Hoffa

[ranking: 11]
Richard Nixon commuted the sentence of Teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa – who was convicted of fraud and bribery – in 1971.

In 2017, Barack Obama commuted the sentence of Chelsea Manning, who was court-martialed for violating the espionage act after giving classified documents to WikiLeaks.

Barack Obama Commutes Chelsea Manning's Sentence

[ranking: 12]
In 2017, Barack Obama commuted the sentence of Chelsea Manning, who was court-martialed for violating the espionage act after giving classified documents to WikiLeaks.

Grover Cleveland Pardons Known Outlaw

[ranking: 13]
Grover Cleveland used the power of the presidency to pardon a known associate of Billy the Kid, Billy Wilson.

John Tyler Pardons A Confessed Murderer

[ranking: 14]
John Tyler pardoned Alexander William Holmes, who admitted to throwing several people off a lifeboat in 1841.

George W. Bush Commutes Scooter Libby's Sentence

[ranking: 15]
George W.

Lyndon B. Johnson pardoned Congressman Frank W. Boykin – who was convicted of conspiracy and conflict of interest – upon the request of Robert F.

Lyndon B. Johnson Pardons Congressmen As Favor To Bobby Kennedy

[ranking: 16]
Lyndon B. Johnson pardoned Congressman Frank W. Boykin – who was convicted of conspiracy and conflict of interest – upon the request of Robert F.

Just like his predecessor Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter went easy on Watergate offenders when he commuted the sentence of G. Gordon Liddy, who led the group that broke into the DNC at the Watergate Complex.

Jimmy Carter Commuted G. Gordon Liddy's Sentence

[ranking: 17]
Just like his predecessor Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter went easy on Watergate offenders when he commuted the sentence of G. Gordon Liddy, who led the group that broke into the DNC at the Watergate Complex.

Stephen A. Douglas Puter was involved in a number of land scandals in Oregon and California. Via fraudulent claims, Puter got thousands of acres of federal land transferred to private owners in Oregon and California.

Theodore Roosevelt Pardons Repeat Land Fraud Co-Conspirator

[ranking: 18]
Stephen A. Douglas Puter was involved in a number of land scandals in Oregon and California. Via fraudulent claims, Puter got thousands of acres of federal land transferred to private owners in Oregon and California.

Utah governor Brigham Young encouraged independence among residents of his state. After federal officials received information regarding obstruction of officials, President James Buchanan appointed a new governor.

James Buchanan Pardons Brigham Young

[ranking: 19]
Utah governor Brigham Young encouraged independence among residents of his state. After federal officials received information regarding obstruction of officials, President James Buchanan appointed a new governor.

James Monroe Pardons Multiple Pirates

[ranking: 20]
James Monroe reportedly pardoned numerous people convicted of piracy.Source

Andrew Jackson's most controversial pardon wasn't contentious in and of itself, rather the problem came from the recipient's refusal to accept it. George Wilson was found guilty of robbery of the mail in 1829.

Andrew Jackson's Pardon Was Refused

[ranking: 21]
Andrew Jackson's most controversial pardon wasn't contentious in and of itself, rather the problem came from the recipient's refusal to accept it. George Wilson was found guilty of robbery of the mail in 1829.

Herbert Hoover Pardons Indiana Governor To Send A Message To The KKK

[ranking: 22]
Herbert Hoover's pardon of Indiana Governor Warren T.

Ulysses S. Grant Effectively Pardoned All Members Of The Confederacy

[ranking: 23]
Ulysses S. Grant effectively pardoned most members of the Confederacy when he signed the Amnesty Act in 1872.

Harry S. Truman used his presidential pardon power to commute the sentence of Oscar Collazo – who was found guilty of attempting to assassinate Truman – from death to life imprisonment in 1952.

Harry S. Truman Commutes His Own Would-Be Assassin's Sentence

[ranking: 24]
Harry S. Truman used his presidential pardon power to commute the sentence of Oscar Collazo – who was found guilty of attempting to assassinate Truman – from death to life imprisonment in 1952.

FBI agent Mark Felt was convicted of ordering illegal break-ins to the homes of several members of the revolutionary,militant group the Weather Underground in 1980.

Ronald Reagan Unknowingly Pardons "Deep Throat"

[ranking: 25]
FBI agent Mark Felt was convicted of ordering illegal break-ins to the homes of several members of the revolutionary,militant group the Weather Underground in 1980.

William Howard Tricked With False Information Into Issuing Pardon

[ranking: 26]
William Howard Taft was duped by criminal banker Charles W.

George Washington famously pardoned Philip Vigol and John Mitchel, who were convicted of treason for their roles in the Whiskey Rebellion of the 1790s.

George Washington Gives First Pardon To Men Convicted Of Treason

[ranking: 27]
George Washington famously pardoned Philip Vigol and John Mitchel, who were convicted of treason for their roles in the Whiskey Rebellion of the 1790s.

James K. Polk Pardons Man Who Goes On To Run For President

[ranking: 28]
John C. Frémont was the first-ever Republican candidate for president.

In 1893, Benjamin Harrison pardoned members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for engaging in polygamous marriages in the past. He also offered the members amnesty in the United States.

Benjamin Harrison Provides Amnesty To Polygamists

[ranking: 29]
In 1893, Benjamin Harrison pardoned members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for engaging in polygamous marriages in the past. He also offered the members amnesty in the United States.

Martin Van Buren Risks British Diplomacy Pardoning William Lyon Mackenzie

[ranking: 30]
Canadian politician William Lyon Mackenzie was convicted of violating American neutrality laws in 1839.

Clement Vallandigham greatly opposed the Civil War and he spoke out against leadership's decisions at every opportunity. In 1863, he was convicted of disloyalty and sentenced to confinement in a military prison for the remainder of the war.

Abraham Lincoln Commutes Civil War Defender's Sentence

[ranking: 31]
Clement Vallandigham greatly opposed the Civil War and he spoke out against leadership's decisions at every opportunity. In 1863, he was convicted of disloyalty and sentenced to confinement in a military prison for the remainder of the war.

Michigan Territory Governor William Hull was court-martialed after surrendering Fort Detroit to the British in 1812 and convicted of cowardice and neglect of duty.

James Madison Remitted The Sentence Of An Army General

[ranking: 32]
Michigan Territory Governor William Hull was court-martialed after surrendering Fort Detroit to the British in 1812 and convicted of cowardice and neglect of duty.

William Henry Harrison Grants No Pardons

[ranking: 33]
William Henry Harrison offered no pardons during his brief presidency in 1841.Source

The Narcotics Control Act of 1956 led to many convictions for minor drug crimes and forced people to serve lengthy mandatory minimum sentences. President John F.

John F. Kennedy Pardons 100 First Time Offenders Convicted Under The 1956 Narcotics Control Act

[ranking: 34]
The Narcotics Control Act of 1956 led to many convictions for minor drug crimes and forced people to serve lengthy mandatory minimum sentences. President John F.

In 1878, anarchist and abolitionist Ezra Heywood was convicted of violating the Comstock Act, which prohibited printing obscene material.

Rutherford B. Hayes Pardons Comstock Act Violator

[ranking: 35]
In 1878, anarchist and abolitionist Ezra Heywood was convicted of violating the Comstock Act, which prohibited printing obscene material.

Thomas Jefferson pardoned every person convicted under the Sedition Act, which made "false, scandalous and malicious writing" towards elected officials illegal.

Thomas Jefferson Pardons All Sedition Act Violators

[ranking: 36]
Thomas Jefferson pardoned every person convicted under the Sedition Act, which made "false, scandalous and malicious writing" towards elected officials illegal.

John Adams followed his predecessor's (George Washington) lead in pardoning a participant of the Whiskey Rebellion, a tax protest against George Washington.

John Adams Pardons Whiskey Rebellion Participant

[ranking: 37]
John Adams followed his predecessor's (George Washington) lead in pardoning a participant of the Whiskey Rebellion, a tax protest against George Washington.

Chester A. Arthur reversed the sentence of Army officer Fitz John Porter. Porter was court-martialed for failing to follow orders during the Second Battle of Bull Run, which marked a devastating loss for the Union.

Chester A. Arthur Pardons Bull Run Officer

[ranking: 38]
Chester A. Arthur reversed the sentence of Army officer Fitz John Porter. Porter was court-martialed for failing to follow orders during the Second Battle of Bull Run, which marked a devastating loss for the Union.

Zachary Taylor Pardoned A Man Convicted Of Assault At Sea

[ranking: 39]
In 1849, Zachary Taylor pardoned William H.

Warren Harding Pardons Vocal Anti-War Socialist

[ranking: 40]
Kate Richards O'Hare was arrested for violating the Espionage Act of 1917 after making a vehement anti-war speech in North Dakota.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Pardons Well Known Bootlegger

[ranking: 41]
Franklin D.

Prior to the Civil War, Millard Fillmore pardoned Daniel Drayton and Edward Sayres for their role in helping 77 slaves attempt to escape from Washington DC to the free state of New Jersey in 1848.

Millard Fillmore Pardons Abolitionists

[ranking: 42]
Prior to the Civil War, Millard Fillmore pardoned Daniel Drayton and Edward Sayres for their role in helping 77 slaves attempt to escape from Washington DC to the free state of New Jersey in 1848.

James A. Garfield Offers No Pardons

[ranking: 43]
James A. Garfield offered zero pardons during his time in office.

Franklin Pierce was the only president to pardon a black person for helping slaves escape in conjunction with the Underground Railroad.

Franklin Pierce Pardons Underground Railroad Participant

[ranking: 44]
Franklin Pierce was the only president to pardon a black person for helping slaves escape in conjunction with the Underground Railroad.

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About Random President's Most Controversial Pardon

It's an exciting tool for displaying random president's most controversial pardon. We collected a list of "Random President's Most Controversial Pardon" from ranker, which was screened by countless online votes. You can view random president's most controversial pardon shows from this page, click on "Show all by ranking" button to show the complete list, or visit the original page for a more detailed introduction.

Why do presidents pardon people? It depends on the situation and who you ask, as the topic of presidential pardons is ripe with controversy. United States history is no stranger to political scandals and presidential corruption, and pardons are often a cause of public outrage. Oftentimes, individuals granted clemency by the Commander in Chief become the subject of national debate. Even partial pardons - like commuted sentences - are often met with backlash. Here, you'll find every president's most controversial pardon, ranked by your votes.

As they're absolved of past criminal convictions, people who have been pardoned by the president get a second chance at life. However, there is a lot of disagreement in regards to who actually deserves a second chance. The nation was appalled when Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon for his part in Watergate, as Americans were desperate to see reparation for widespread political corruption. Donald Trump's pardon of Joe Arpaio sparked a debate as to whether the Arizona sheriff was a deeply prejudiced tyrant or an unsung champion of justice. What other presidential pardons have shocked Americans? Vote up the pardons you find controversial below.

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