President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is reportedly opting to bypass traditional FBI background checks for some of his Cabinet picks. Instead, private companies are being used to conduct vetting of potential candidates for administration jobs. This decision is driven by concerns over the perceived slowness and issues within the FBI system that could hinder the swift implementation of Trump’s agenda.
Trump and his allies believe that the intrusive nature of FBI background checks can sometimes unearth embarrassing information that may be used for political purposes. As a result, the transition team is exploring alternative vetting methods to expedite the selection process.
Despite established protocols aimed at ensuring nominees do not have undisclosed foreign ties or other national security concerns, the president retains the final authority over nominations and intelligence sharing.
The move to circumvent FBI background checks represents a departure from the long-standing norm in Washington and underscores Trump’s skepticism towards the national security establishment, which he often criticizes as the Deep State.
While the president-elect could still choose to submit names to the FBI for vetting, there is a push within his inner circle to utilize private researchers for quicker background checks.
Some of Trump’s potential picks, such as Matt Gaetz for attorney general and Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, have already sparked controversy due to their past actions and statements.
Gaetz has faced Justice Department and House ethics investigations related to sex trafficking allegations, while Gabbard has drawn criticism for her perceived alignment with foreign leaders considered adversarial to the US.
The delay in vetting candidates for security clearances could impact the timing of classified briefings for incoming administration officials. Trump’s team has been focused on internal vetting processes, resisting formal transition procedures typically required for accessing classified material.
Despite potential hurdles during the confirmation process, Trump retains the authority to grant security clearances to his appointees, bypassing traditional vetting procedures if he chooses to do so.
The lack of urgency in pre-vetting individuals for national security positions mirrors Trump’s approach during the 2016 transition process. This current approach may result in delays in providing key officials with access to sensitive information until after the inauguration.
Overall, the decision to forgo FBI background checks for some Cabinet picks reflects the Trump administration’s desire for a streamlined selection process, albeit one that deviates from established norms in Washington.
