The Trump-Vance Transition team has officially entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Justice, as confirmed by a statement from the President-elect Donald Trump’s chief of staff. This MOU outlines the terms of cooperation between the transition team and the DOJ, marking a significant milestone in the preparation of the incoming administration.
One key aspect of this agreement is that it enables the Trump team to request FBI background checks on Trump’s appointees. The transition team can now submit names for background checks and security clearances, streamlining the vetting process for potential candidates.
Prior to this agreement, the transition team had been using private companies to conduct vetting of nominees, bypassing the traditional FBI screenings for at least some of its selections. The extent to which Trump’s Cabinet picks will undergo FBI background checks moving forward remains uncertain.
The decision to formalize this agreement with the Department of Justice comes in response to concerns raised by GOP senators regarding potential delays in the confirmation process of Trump’s nominees. By signing the MOU, the transition team aims to ensure that President Trump and his administration are fully prepared to implement the America First Agenda from Day 1.
Moreover, the MOU grants the transition team increased access to crucial information from federal agencies, enhancing their readiness to tackle the challenges and duties of governance effectively.
