Cannot install/download any .pkg files

Hi there Kmahoney0216,

It sounds as though you're unable to install .pkg files. Being able to install applications is important, I'd be happy to assist!

I understand that you've made a backup of your Mac, reset permissions, and reinstalled macOS as well. In that case, the next steps would be within the resource for resetting permissions. Below is a resource that can help:

Resolve issues caused by changing the permissions of items in your home folder

Specifically, lets use these steps:

• "If resetting permissions doesn't resolve the issue:
• Make sure that you have a backup of your Mac, then erase your startup disk.
• When done, reinstall macOS.
• After installation completes and your Mac restarts to the setup assistant, create a new user account using a different name than the one you were using before. Any difference in spelling is enough.
• If you made a Time Machine backup, use Migration Assistant to restore all your files from the backup."

Have a great day!