Shortly into Clinton's first term, Attorney General Janet Reno appointed an independent counsel to investigate allegations that Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, had broken the law back in Arkansas.
In 1978, the Clintons had invested in bad land, initially intending to sell lots for vacation homes. While investing in bad land isn't a crime itself, the Clintons had worked closely with real estate entrepreneur Jim McDougal during the process — which caused some to view the couple with suspicion.
Since McDougal was later found to have defrauded a small savings and loan association and a small-business investment firm — after the initial Whitewater deal — some accused the Clintons of making shady real estate deals. And some even believed they were McDougal's co-conspirators.
The "Whitewater" investigation continued throughout Clinton's presidency and was eventually taken over by Ken Starr.