Trump team makes a deal to clear the way for FBI background checks on cabinet picks

Donald Trump’s transition eventually signed an agreement allowing federal background checks on the president-elect’s nominees after some of them faced allegations of sexual harassment, public intoxication and sex trafficking.

It came after pressure and some divisions among Senate Republicans over the normal transition process under Trump and challengers facing some of his top nominees.

“I think the administration understands that there needs to be a thorough review of all these noms,” said incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.). “And you know, historically the best place to get that done is the FBI.”

The agreement allowed the Justice Department to conduct background checks on its nominees and appointees after a weeks-long delay.

One of those nominees, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), resigned after facing backlash over an Ethics Committee investigation into sex trafficking allegations, which he denies.

Trump-nominated FBI director Kash Patel also faces a confirmation fight, while Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth faces questions following a bombastic report accusing him of public intoxication and mismanagement of a nonprofit organization for veterans. He snapped at a reporter Tuesday while promoting his nomination at the Capitol.

“That’s why we’re going to follow the normal process, vet all the nominees and give everyone an opportunity to ask those questions at a hearing,” Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) told ABC about the Patel nomination.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) called the allegations against Hegseth “very disturbing.”

The incoming Republican Senate (53-47) can confirm Trump’s nominees with a simple majority.

One Trump nominee, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Trump’s pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Agency, withdrew his name Tuesday, calling the announced nomination “the honor of a lifetime” and saying there was “more work to do” at home ‘was. .

“This sheriff ordered the arrest of a pastor for holding services during the COVID panic,” Republican Rep. Thomas Massie wrote on X. “He was tapped by Trump to run the DEA. I’m glad he’s withdrawing from consideration.”

The move will allow Trump transition aides and future administration staffers to obtain security clearances before Inauguration Day to access classified information about ongoing government programs, an essential step for a smooth transition of power. It also allows nominees eligible for Senate confirmation to undergo the background checks lawmakers want before voting on them.

Teams of investigators are ready to process clearances for Trump aides and advisers.

“This agreement with the Department of Justice will ensure that President Trump and his team are ready on Day 1 to begin implementing the America First Agenda that an overwhelming majority of our country supported on Election Day,” said Susie Wiles , the candidate for the White House. chief of staff.

“Ultimately, this will provide additional insights to the transition process and facilitate access to the information our agencies and departments need to prepare for federal agency and department leadership,” the statement said.

Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced a series of allegations over his alleged past behavior and is facing a confirmation fight

Republicans are also reserving judgment on Trump loyalist Kash Patel, whom Trump said he plans to nominate to serve as FBI director despite Chris Wray’s term not yet having expired.

The announcement comes a week after Trump’s transition team signed an agreement with the Biden White House to allow the transition staff to coordinate with the existing federal workforce before taking office on January 20. The White House deal should have been signed by Oct. 1 under the Presidential Transition Act, and the Biden White House had made both public and private calls for Trump’s team to sign up.

Security clearances are required to access classified information, including on ongoing operations and threats to the nation, and the Biden White House and outside experts have emphasized to Trump’s team the importance of having staff in place before Inauguration Day acquitted so that they can be fully informed and ready to lead the government.

Republican senators have also pushed for FBI background checks on Trump’s nominees before they face confirmation votes, as has been standard practice for decades. Lawmakers are particularly interested in the outcome of assessments on Trump’s designated nominee for defense secretary, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, and for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence.

“That’s why it’s so important that we have an FBI background check, a committee investigation into extensive questions and questionnaires, and a public hearing,” he said. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine on Monday.