Did President Obama pardon anyone?
Asked by: scraper | Last update: September 13, 2026Score: 0/5 (0 votes)
Yes, Barack Obama granted 212 pardons during his two terms in office. In addition to these formal pardons, he also issued 1,715 sentence commutations—which shortened the prison terms of individuals largely convicted of nonviolent drug offenses.
Who all did President Obama pardon?
President Barack Obama granted 212 pardons and 1,715 commutations during his two terms in office, largely focusing on non-violent drug offenders serving lengthy sentences. The majority of his pardons were granted to everyday citizens, but he also issued a few high-profile pardons and sentence commutations.
Why did Obama pardon so many people?
Obama did so, as one of his final acts in office, in order to reduce what he viewed as overly harsh punishments.
Did Bill Clinton pardon anybody?
As president, Clinton used his power under the U.S. Constitution to grant pardons and clemency to 456 people, thus commuting the sentences of those already convicted of a crime, and obviating a trial for those not yet convicted. On January 20, 2001, he pardoned 140 people in the final hours of his presidency.
What did Bidens brother do to be pardoned?
He was his brother's chief fundraiser for his 1972 Senate campaign. His financial relationship to members of his family, particularly Joe Biden, made him a subject of Republican-led House committee investigations of the Biden family. He received a preemptive presidential pardon from Joe Biden in January 2025.
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Did Bill Clinton pardon his brother?
Yes, former President Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother, Roger Clinton Jr., on January 20, 2001, just hours before leaving office.
Are you still a felon after a presidential pardon?
Yes, legally you are still considered a felon because a presidential pardon does not erase or expunge the conviction from your criminal record. A pardon serves as an act of forgiveness rather than vindication, leaving the historical fact of the crime intact.
How many people were pardoned by Trump?
Donald Trump has granted executive clemency—including both pardons and commutations—to more than 1,700 individuals across his presidential terms.
Are there limits to presidential pardons?
Yes, there are limits to presidential pardons. The U.S. Constitution (Article II, Section 2) restricts the pardon power to federal offenses only—not state crimes—and explicitly prohibits their use in cases of impeachment. While broad, the power cannot be used to bypass constitutional rights or authorize future illegal acts.
How many did Biden actually pardon?
President Joe Biden issued 80 individual pardons during his four years in office. In addition to these specific pardons, he used categorical proclamations to forgive thousands of individuals for federal marijuana possession offenses and cleared the records of former LGBTQ+ service members convicted of consensual homosexual conduct.
How popular was Obama as president?
Barack Obama was a polarizing but generally well-regarded president, leaving office with a 59% approval rating. Across his two terms, his approval averaged around 48%. He remains highly popular today, frequently polling as the most well-liked among all living former presidents.
Who did Obama pardon while he was president?
President Obama granted a total of 148 pardons and 1,176 commutations during his presidency, focusing heavily on nonviolent, low-level drug offenders to address sentencing disparities, with notable actions near the end of his term, including pardoning James Cartwright and Willie McCovey. His acts of clemency aimed to provide second chances to individuals who showed rehabilitation.
Did Barack Obama pardon anyone?
Yes, Barack Obama granted 212 pardons during his two terms in office. In addition to these formal pardons, he also issued 1,715 sentence commutations—which shortened the prison terms of individuals largely convicted of nonviolent drug offenses.
How many criminals did Barack Obama pardon?
President Barack Obama granted 212 pardons and 1,715 commutations during his two terms in office, totaling 1,927 acts of executive clemency.
Can anybody override a presidential pardon?
No individual, court, or subsequent president can overturn or revoke a valid, fully delivered presidential pardon. The clemency power is an absolute authority granted by Article II of the U.S. Constitution and is generally not subject to review or interference by the judiciary, Congress, or other government branches.
What are three things a president Cannot do?
Under the U.S. Constitution, a president cannot make new laws, declare war, or spend federal money without congressional approval. The powers of the presidency are strictly limited by the system of checks and balances and separation of powers.
Do you have to be found guilty to be pardoned?
No, you do not have to be guilty—or even convicted—to be pardoned, though a pardon is legally interpreted as an act of forgiveness for a crime rather than a declaration of innocence. A pardon can be issued at any time after a crime is committed, including before any charges or convictions occur.
Are you still a convicted felon if you get a presidential pardon?
Yes, legally you are still considered a felon because a presidential pardon does not erase or expunge the conviction from your criminal record. A pardon serves as an act of forgiveness rather than vindication, leaving the historical fact of the crime intact.
What president has pardoned more people?
Joe Biden holds the record for the highest overall number of clemency actions, granting over 8,000 pardons and commutations—most notably issuing a mass collective pardon covering roughly 6,500 individuals for federal marijuana possession convictions.
Did Trump pardon Charles Kushner?
Yes, Donald Trump granted a full pardon to Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, on December 23, 2020. The pardon was issued during the final weeks of Trump's presidency, addressing convictions for tax evasion, witness tampering, and campaign finance offenses.
Who cannot be pardoned by the president?
The President of the United States may pardon anyone who commits a federal offense against the United States. They may also pardon anyone who commits a federal offense against the District of Columbia. The president cannot grant pardons for violations of state laws.
Does a pardon erase the crime?
A pardon does not erase or expunge the record of conviction. It is, however, an indication of forgiveness and should lessen the stigma of conviction. It is usually helpful in obtaining license, bonding or employment.
Can the president really pardon convicted felons without Congress approval?
Article II of the U.S. Constitution gives the President the power to pardon individuals who have committed federal offenses. The scope of the President's pardon power is broad. He can pardon an individual for nearly any offense against the United States. While broad, the power is not unlimited.