The most controversial pardons in U.S. history

Brut America

Donald Trump is considering pre-emptive pardons for his associates before he leaves the White House ... And it's not the first time presidential pardons have sparked controversy.

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00:00I intend to grant a blanket pardon.

00:02A full, free, and absolute pardon.

00:05Show people what a second chance can look like.

00:30A full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United

00:57States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed.

01:20I decided to grant the pardon in the national interest.

01:26At that time, the United States was faced with serious economic problems, and we were

01:31still involved in a long and difficult war in Southeast Asia.

01:37We could not be involved in the Nixon matter and concentrate fully on the more important

01:44matters.

02:01I just decided, regardless of the political consequences, that I would do what I thought

02:06was right.

02:35Pardon means that what you did, whether it's right or wrong, you're forgiven for it.

02:59I do not favor blanket amnesty, but for those who violated selective service laws, I intend

03:09to grant a blanket pardon.

03:31I heard someone the other day ask why I wasn't outraged.

03:35Well, at times, I've been mad as a hornet.

03:39Anyone would be.

03:54The other major issue of the hearings, of course, was the diversion of funds to the

03:58Nicaraguan Congress.

04:49by former President Clinton have been the subject of much debate and public commentary.

04:54I think virtually everyone who has examined them has been left with some serious questions

04:59as to whether some of them were appropriate.

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