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 criticism from Republican lawmakers, notably Representative James Comer, who accused the Biden family of corruption. In contrast, Trump has issued numerous pardons, including for individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots and various political allies, raising concerns about the implications for democratic processes and accountability.

Trump's pardons have extended to individuals with criminal backgrounds, including George Santos, a former congressman convicted of multiple crimes, and Changpeng Zhao, founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, who faced charges related to money laundering. These actions have been interpreted as rewards for loyalty rather than remedies for genuine miscarriages of justice. Critics argue that this pattern of pardoning individuals who support or benefit the president undermines the integrity of the justice system and reflects broader concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the influence of corporate interests in politics.

In a separate but related issue, the appointment of new leadership within the FBI has raised security concerns. FBI Director Kash Patel waived the requirement for polygraph tests for three appointees, including Dan Bongino, the new Deputy Director. This decision has prompted questions about adherence to established security protocols within the agency. Bongino, along with Marshall Yates and Nicole Rucker, received waivers 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 former President Trump, leading to scrutiny regarding the influence of political connections on personnel decisions within the FBI. Legal experts have noted that the 'Schedule C' classification of these appointees does not exempt them from the polygraph requirement. Bongino has publicly denied claims regarding bypassing security checks, asserting that he previously held a security clearance while serving as a Secret Service agent. The FBI has not clarified whether the new hires underwent any form of background checks or how their security statuses were determined, highlighting ongoing concerns about the intersection of political influence and national security within federal agencies.