The transition team of President-elect Donald Trump has reached a key agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ), allowing the department to conduct background checks and initiate the security clearance process for Trump administration nominees and appointees.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed on Tuesday, represents a crucial step forward amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding some of Trump’s choices for top government positions.
Preparation for day one
According to a press release issued on Tuesday, the agreement ensures that President Trump and his team will be ready from day one to implement the “America First” agenda, which Trump supporters overwhelmingly backed during the election. Susie Wiles, President-elect Trump’s Chief of Staff, stated:
“This agreement with the Department of Justice will ensure the transition process gains valuable insights while providing agency landing teams with the information they need to prepare for leadership of federal agencies and departments.”
The MOU outlines the terms of collaboration between Trump’s transition team and the DOJ, enabling the submission of names for background checks and security clearances. It is seen as a pivotal move to facilitate a seamless transition of power and ensure the federal government is fully operational by Inauguration Day, 20 January 2025.
Overcoming Initial resistance
This agreement follows reports that the Trump transition team initially resisted involving the FBI, a division of the DOJ, in the vetting process. Instead, they had considered using an alternative method for background checks, reflecting Trump’s longstanding distrust of the bureau, as reported by The Hill.
However, the transition team faced mounting pressure from Republican senators, who expressed concerns that delays in signing the MOU could slow the confirmation process for nominees. The agreement also comes after Trump’s team signed a separate MOU with the Biden White House last week, permitting officials to meet with their counterparts in federal agencies ahead of the transition.
The role of the FBI in transitions
The FBI plays a critical role in presidential transitions by conducting background checks and processing security clearances for prospective appointees and transition officials, often referred to as landing teams. These teams enter federal agencies before the inauguration to ensure the incoming administration is adequately prepared to govern.
The Trump transition team’s delay in meeting an October 1 deadline to sign the original agreement raised concerns about potential disruptions in the transition process. However, with the DOJ agreement now in place, the FBI can proceed with its essential work.
Controversial appointments
Despite progress in the transition process, some of Trump’s choices for top government positions have sparked controversy, with concerns over their suitability and past allegations.
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One notable instance involves former Representative Matt Gaetz, who withdrew his name from consideration for Attorney General following resistance. Gaetz was previously investigated by the DOJ over allegations of sex trafficking, which he has consistently denied, and no charges were filed.
Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Defence Secretary, has also faced scrutiny. Hegseth was accused of sexual assault, a claim he denies. While he was not criminally charged, he did settle financially with his accuser.
Looking ahead
With these agreements in place, Trump’s transition team is working to finalise preparations for the new administration. While concerns about some nominees remain, the team’s cooperation with the DOJ marks an important milestone in ensuring a smooth handover of power.
As President-elect Trump prepares to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, his administration faces significant challenges in addressing both public trust and internal organisation. The agreements signed with the DOJ and the Biden White House reflect efforts to address these hurdles and hit the ground running come January.
Observers will continue to watch closely as the Trump administration’s nominees and appointees undergo scrutiny during the confirmation process. For now, the transition is moving forward with the necessary mechanisms in place to navigate the complexities of forming a new government.
