President-elect Donald Trump's transition team on Tuesday reached an agreement with the Justice Department that will allow the FBI to conduct background checks on administration nominees and appointees.
Incoming White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said, “The agreement with the Department of Justice allows President Trump and his team to ensure from day one that the America First Agenda, which was supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans on Election Day, is enacted.'' It will be possible to implement it.” statement.
The memorandum of understanding with the Department of Justice “allows the transition team to submit names for background checks and security clearances.”
“Ultimately, this will provide additional insight into the transition process and make it easier for federal agency landing teams to access the information they need to prepare federal agency and department leadership,” the Trump transition team said in a statement. It will be accessible.”
The agreement follows controversy surrounding some of Trump's choices for top posts in the incoming administration.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida), President Trump's first nominee for attorney general, is expected to be released soon after the House Ethics Committee's damning report on allegations of sexual misconduct and drug abuse. He resigned last month after it was revealed. .
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, the president-elect's pick to lead the Pentagon, has faced widespread allegations of financial mismanagement and sexual misconduct since he was named secretary of defense.
An agreement allowing the FBI to conduct background checks on candidates and appointees could give senators peace of mind when they vote to confirm Trump's nominations.
Several Republican senators had expressed a preference for the agency to conduct background checks ahead of next year's confirmation hearings.
The agreement also paves the way for the Justice Department to give the transition team expanded access to federal information in the run-up to President Trump's inauguration.
Trump's team reached an agreement with the White House last week to allow him to begin holding transition briefings.
