The White House is defending ethics waivers for ex-union officials, saying they are "in the interest of governing." The Biden administration has come under scrutiny from Republicans on Capitol Hill after its decision to circumvent federal ethics rules to staff former union officials in senior posts. A so-called ethics waiver lifts constraints imposed on members of the executive branch to work with previous colleagues or clients who might benefit from their closeness to White House authority. White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked about the waivers during Monday's news briefing. Psaki elaborated, saying that when it is "necessary and in the public’s interest," the order "authorizes agencies to grant limited waivers and consultation" with the White House counsel’s office.

Source: Fox News May 10, 2021 18:55 UTC