Former President Barack Obama issued pardons and commutations at a historic clip, eclipsing the number of issued by any prior president. To date, Obama issued 1,385 commutations and 212 pardons. While Obama issued more pardons, presidents have been exercising this constitutional power dating back to President George Washington, who issued pardons for two men convicted for their roles in the Whiskey Rebellion. This executive power has been used by almost every president thereafter.