I think there is a decent distinction between a pardon in the last days of power and actions taken in the beginning of a term.

Biden pardoning his own family may be unethical, but it wasn't illegal. Similarly, Trump directing his DoJ not to prosecute his political allies is (probably) legal, but I hope we can both agree that it is unethical.

Pardoning is a legal power given to the presidents. The executive orders are being stuck down by the courts because they are found to be illegal.