On January 20, 2001, with only hours left in his term as president of the United States, Bill Clinton issued 140 presidential pardons and several commutations to people that had been convicted of federal criminal offenses. The granting of clemency to these criminals, some of whom were Clinton's relatives and friends, was met with much criticism from the American people, including an ex-president. These actions became known by some in Washington circles as "Pardongate" and the "Clemency Caper."l