Every year at this time, presidents issue pardons, and some of the most controversial pardons have been issued when they are leaving office. For example, President Bill Clinton pardoned Marc Rich, a fugitive from justice who was facing 51 counts of tax fraud and was alleged to have owed $48 million to the IRS. Rich’s former wife, who urged Clinton to issue this pardon, was a substantial contributor to the Clinton Library and to Hillary Clinton’s senatorial campaign.
Julian Assange Should Not Be Pardoned
This year, there are some who are urging President Donald Trump to issue a pardon to Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks. He should not do so under any circumstances. Pictured: Supporters of Assange protest in London on Sept. 7. (Photo: WIktor Szymanowicz/NurPhoto/Getty Images)
Commentary By
John G. Malcolm is the vice president of the Institute for Constitutional Government and director of the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, overseeing The Heritage Foundation’s work to increase understanding of the Constitution and the rule of law. Read his research.
Every year at this time, presidents issue pardons, and some of the most controversial pardons have been issued when they are leaving office.