As President-elect Donald Trump and Republican senators are working to confirm nominees for his second administration, the FBI is facing challenges with tight deadlines on hundreds of background investigations. Sources familiar with the process reveal that hearings are being scheduled before the bureau even receives the necessary documents to complete the reports.
The delay in initiating the FBI background investigations was further compounded by the incoming administration's decision to wait until a month after the November election to sign agreements facilitating the process.
Some Democrats have raised concerns about incomplete background checks, notably for Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee for defense secretary, who recently appeared at his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill.
In response to the criticisms, the FBI stated that background investigations are being conducted with utmost urgency.
Over 1,200 background investigations are being handled by the FBI for positions within the new administration, with half of these requiring Senate confirmation.
The FBI conducts these investigations on behalf of the client, in this case, the Trump transition team. These are not criminal investigations, which limits the scope of the agents' authority.
For example, agents are unable to compel individuals to participate in interviews regarding a nominee. Some witnesses decline to be interviewed, while others agree to provide information under the condition of anonymity.
Agents are working within a 14-day timeframe to complete the background investigations, according to sources familiar with the matter. The condensed timeline of the current transition period has added complexity to the background check process.
