How many total pardons did Obama give?
Asked by: Colten Rempel | Last update: February 5, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (22 votes)
Of the acts of clemency, 1,715 were commutations (including 504 life sentences) and 212 were pardons. Most individuals granted executive clemency by Obama had been convicted on drug charges, and had received lengthy and sometimes mandatory sentences at the height of the war on drugs.
How many pardons did Trump grant in his first term?
Number of pardons
Overall, Trump granted fewer clemencies than many of the modern presidents during his first term. Since 1921, only two Presidents granted clemency on fewer occasions than Trump. In Trump's first term, he granted clemency 237 times, compared with about 78 by George H. W.
How many pardons can a President give out?
A U.S. President can issue an unlimited number of federal pardons, with no cap on the total, though this power has constitutional limits like not applying to impeachment cases or state crimes, and must be for offenses against the U.S. Presidents have used this power extensively, with figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt issuing thousands and recent presidents granting hundreds or over a thousand, demonstrating the vast scope of this authority.
How many pardons did Bill Clinton give out?
President Bill Clinton granted pardons or commutations to 459 people during his two terms, with a significant number, around 140, issued in a controversial batch on his final day in office in January 2001, bringing his total to a higher number than recent predecessors.
How many pardons did President Obama give out?
Of the acts of clemency, 1,715 were commutations (including 504 life sentences) and 212 were pardons. Most individuals granted executive clemency by Obama had been convicted on drug charges, and had received lengthy and sometimes mandatory sentences at the height of the war on drugs.
Thanksgiving turkey pardoned by president
Which president pardoned Mark Rich?
Fearing arrest, he did not even return to the United States to attend his daughter's funeral in 1996. On January 20, 2001, hours before leaving office, U.S. President Bill Clinton granted Rich a controversial presidential pardon.
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.
Has anyone ever rejected a presidential pardon?
Yes, people have refused presidential pardons, though it's rare, with historical examples including George Burdick (Woodrow Wilson) and George Wilson (Andrew Jackson), and more recently, January 6th defendants like Pamela Hemphill and Jason Riddle, who rejected pardons from President Trump, feeling they were not victims and didn't want to rewrite history or contribute to false narratives. Refusal is a constitutional right, established by Supreme Court rulings, allowing individuals to decline clemency if they choose not to accept conditions or admit guilt, as a pardon is considered a "deed" requiring acceptance.
What happens if a pardon is refused?
"A pardon is a deed, to the validity of which delivery is essential, and delivery is not complete without acceptance. It may then be rejected by the person to whom it is tendered, and if it be rejected, we have discovered no power in a court to force it on him."
How many people did Trump pardon in 2025?
On January 20, 2025, immediately after taking office a second time, Trump granted clemency to every criminal defendant charged, convicted, or sentenced for participation in the January 6 United States Capitol attack—approximately 1,500 defendants.
Did Trump pardon Rudy Giuliani?
In April 2024, he was indicted on charges related to the 2020 election in Arizona. He was later disbarred in the state of New York in July, and in the District of Columbia in September. In November 2025, Trump pardoned Giuliani.
Did Trump pardon Charles Kushner?
Yes, Donald Trump pardoned Charles Kushner (father of Jared Kushner) in December 2020, at the end of his first term, for his 2005 conviction on charges including tax evasion, making illegal campaign donations, and witness tampering related to a scheme involving his brother-in-law.
Why did Obama give so many pardons?
President Obama pardoned and commuted many sentences, particularly near the end of his term, to address the harsh, outdated sentencing laws, especially for nonviolent drug offenses, aiming for a fairer, smarter criminal justice system, and to provide second chances to rehabilitated individuals, using clemency as a tool while urging Congress for broader reforms. His actions aimed to correct disparities, reduce prison overcrowding, and encourage states to follow suit with reforms.
What are Obama's biggest achievements?
The main reforms include: the Affordable Care Act, sometimes referred to as "the ACA" or "Obamacare", the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010.
Do pardons affect gun rights?
In general, there are two basic options to have your gun rights restored after a conviction. They include having your felony case reduced to a misdemeanor and receiving a pardon from the Governor of California.
Who was the woman who refused Trump's pardon?
Hemphill is noted for changing her mind on Donald Trump during her time in prison and afterward, supporting Joe Biden and voting for Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, as well as for her refusal of Trump's presidential pardon in 2025.
Can an impeached President pardon anyone?
He can pardon an individual for nearly any offense against the United States. While broad, the power is not unlimited. For example, the President cannot issue a pardon in cases of impeachment, nor can he pardon someone for committing a state crime.
Can the Supreme Court overturn a presidential pardon?
The Pardon Attorney investigates and reviews applications for clemency but serves only an advisory role; the president may disregard the findings. The pardon power is considered "plenary" and thus generally cannot be restricted or modified by Congress or the judiciary.
Are you still a felon if you are pardoned by the president?
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.
How many times can a person be pardoned by the president?
A U.S. President can issue an unlimited number of federal pardons, with no cap on the total, though this power has constitutional limits like not applying to impeachment cases or state crimes, and must be for offenses against the U.S. Presidents have used this power extensively, with figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt issuing thousands and recent presidents granting hundreds or over a thousand, demonstrating the vast scope of this authority.
Why did George Wilson not accept his pardon?
An official report stated Wilson chose to “waive and decline any advantage or protection which might be supposed to arise from the pardon….” Wilson also stated he “…had nothing to say, and did not wish in any manner to avail himself in order to avoid sentence….” The U.S. Supreme Court determined, “The court cannot give ...
Did Bill Clinton pardon anyone?
Clinton issued 140 pardons as well as several commutations on his last day of office, January 20, 2001. When a sentence is commuted, the conviction remains intact; however, the sentence can be altered in a number of ways.
What did Bill Clinton's brother get pardoned for?
President Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother, Roger Clinton, in 2001 for a 1985 conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, for which Roger served a year in prison, allowing the offense to be expunged from his record. The pardon came on his last day in office and cleared Roger's criminal record for the drug charge.
Why did Bill Clinton pardon Linda Evans?
In a second case, she was sentenced in 1990 to five years in prison for conspiracy and malicious destruction in connection with eight bombings including the 1983 United States Senate bombing. Her sentence was commuted in 2001 by Democrat President Bill Clinton because of its extraordinary length.