Biden Is Giving Ethics Waivers to Top Officials at a Quicker Pace Than Trump Did: Watchdog

Biden Is Giving Ethics Waivers to Top Officials at a Quicker Pace Than Trump Did: Watchdog
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during an event at the White House complex in Washington, on March 18, 2022. Win McNamee/Getty Images
Nick Ciolino
Updated:

The Biden administration is doling out more waivers meant to excuse public officials from violating ethics regulations than the preceding administration did.

Federal ethics law prohibits government officials from participating in matters in which they have a financial interest. They are also expected to recuse themselves from matters that would give the appearance of partiality and are not allowed to accept bribes or supplement their federal salary. However, there are some exceptions to ethics laws that can be granted though a waiver when it is deemed to be in the public’s interest.