In late October 2026, reports said Trump administration staffers, from junior to mid-level, were retaining lawyers and seeking pardons ahead of midterms that polls suggest Democrats could win. Later reporting named Stephen Miller, Howard Lutnick and Scott Bessent among those lining up white-collar defense lawyers. The discussion centers on whether Trump will issue mass pardons covering executive branch staff, and whether the motive is protecting them or keeping them quiet ahead of Democratic investigations.