J. Edgar Hoover Building — Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Headquarters — Taken on October 8, 2024.
Kent Nishimura/Getty Images
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Kent Nishimura/Getty Images
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Trump’s transition team says it can begin submitting names of officials and nominees for background checks and confidentiality after signing an agreement with the Justice Department.
The FBI plays a key role in the transition from one administration to the next, identifying prospective candidates and transition personnel, known as “landing teams,” who prepare to enter the agency before Inauguration Day. Conducting investigations and processing 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 for federal agency and department leadership,” the transition team said in a statement. said.
The transition team missed an Oct. 1 deadline to sign an agreement with the White House that would allow the landing team to begin meeting with departments and agencies. The agreement was finally signed on November 26th. However, team members need security permissions to access sensitive information.
The delay in signing the memorandum of understanding had heightened concerns that Trump’s team would bypass FBI background checks that have long been a requirement for Senate confirmation.
President-elect Donald Trump has not been shy about his distrust of the Justice Department and FBI. He has already announced his pick for FBI director and has indicated that he intends to fire the current director.
The transition team opposed signing a third agreement with the General Services Administration (GSA), which would provide funding, office space and technology. That agreement would have required an ethics agreement.
Instead, the Trump team said: Use an “existing ethics plan” For the sake of the team and agreed to it. Please post on the GSA website.
