The use of presidential pardons has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding actions taken by former Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Biden's pardons, which included members of his family, faced significant criticism from Republican lawmakers, notably Representative James Comer, who accused the Biden family of corruption. In contrast, Trump issued a substantial number of pardons, including for individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots and various political allies. These pardons have raised concerns about their implications for democratic processes and accountability, particularly as they include individuals with criminal backgrounds, such as George Santos and Changpeng Zhao, who faced serious charges.

Critics argue that Trump's pardons reflect a pattern of rewarding loyalty and consolidating power rather than addressing genuine miscarriages of justice. This trend has sparked discussions about the ethical use of presidential power and the potential for corruption within the political system, highlighting broader concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the influence of corporate interests in politics.

In a related development, the FBI has faced scrutiny over leadership appointments made by Director Kash Patel, who waived the requirement for polygraph tests for three appointees, including Dan Bongino, the new Deputy Director. This decision raises questions about adherence to established security protocols within the agency. Bongino, along with Marshall Yates and Nicole Rucker, was granted a waiver that allowed them to join the FBI without undergoing the standard polygraph examination, typically required for employment.

Both Bongino and Patel are known for their affiliations with Trump, leading to concerns about the influence of political connections on personnel decisions within the FBI. Legal experts have indicated that the 'Schedule C' classification of these appointees does not exempt them from the polygraph requirement. Bongino has denied claims regarding the bypassing of security checks, asserting his previous security clearance as a Secret Service agent. However, the FBI has not clarified whether the new hires underwent any form of background checks or how their security statuses were determined, raising ongoing concerns about the intersection of political influence and national security within federal agencies.