As it was explained to me, the bonuses were in the works for about a year. The government knew about them, AIG let the government know that if the bonuses were not paid, there would be penalties and fines that would be more than the original amount, due to some being overseas employees or something to that effect. The government, after reviewing the facts of the matter, gave the okay for the bonus payout.
There should have never been a bailout in the first place. Now the toothpaste is out of the tube.