4 of the most controversial presidential pardons in US history

By CP Staff, Wednesday, December 04, 2024

Former President Bill Clinton speaks onstage during the Clinton Global Initiative September 2023 Meeting at New York Hilton Midtown on Sept. 19, 2023, in New York City. | Noam Galai/Getty Images for Clinton Global Initiative

President Bill Clinton pardons Marc Rich

Hours before leaving office on Jan. 20, 2001, President Bill Clinton pardoned international financier and commodities trader Marc Rich, who was indicted on charges of tax evasion, fraud and illegal oil trading with Iran during the 1979-1981 hostage crisis.

Rich had fled the U.S. in 1983 to avoid prosecution and moved to Switzerland. His pardon was considered controversial because it came after Rich's ex-wife, Denise Rich, made significant political donations to the Democratic Party, including to Clinton’s presidential library fund.

While critics accused Clinton of granting the pardon in exchange for political contributions, Clinton defended his decision, claiming it was based on the recommendation of Rich's legal team and his desire to address the injustice of Rich’s prosecution.

Clinton also pardoned his younger half-brother, Roger Clinton, for a 1985 cocaine-possession and drug-trafficking conviction.