The Trump-Vance transition team has finalized an agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to initiate background checks and security clearance processes for its incoming officials. The announcement, made Tuesday, follows weeks of delay that had stalled vetting efforts for President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees, raising concerns about the readiness of his administration ahead of Inauguration Day.
Delayed Memorandum Sparks Vetting Concerns
The transition team’s delay in signing the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the DOJ prevented the FBI from conducting background checks on nominees, including controversial picks like Pete Hegseth, Trump’s Defense Secretary choice, and former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who withdrew his nomination for Attorney General amid scandal.
This holdup also barred transition officials from accessing classified information needed to prepare for key national security responsibilities.
“Conducting background checks earlier could have helped avert some of these issues,” noted a government watchdog, referencing scandals surrounding certain nominees.
A Shift in Relations with the DOJ
While Trump’s contentious history with the DOJ and FBI — stemming from investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election and his post-2020 actions — has fueled distrust, the signing of the MOU marks a potential turning point.
Incoming White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles praised the agreement:
“This ensures President Trump and his team are ready on Day 1 to enact the America First Agenda that our nation supported on Election Day.”
Impact on Cabinet Confirmation
The delay in initiating the background checks could complicate the Senate’s confirmation process. Without completed checks, nominees may face postponements in their ability to begin work immediately after Inauguration Day.
Some Republican senators welcomed the agreement, with Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) stating:
“It’ll save them some headache and give senators a little comfort.”
However, watchdog groups caution that thorough vetting is critical. Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, criticized the nomination of Pete Hegseth, citing a whistleblower report about his mismanagement of a veterans’ advocacy group:
“This is why the Senate needs a full picture of somebody’s past before they confirm.”
Broader Transition Challenges
The Trump-Vance transition has yet to sign a standard MOU with the General Services Administration (GSA), which would provide federal funding, office space, and cybersecurity support in exchange for an ethics pledge. This reluctance, coupled with delayed agreements, reflects ongoing tensions between Trump’s team and federal institutions.
As the transition unfolds, the delayed vetting process underscores the importance of early preparation to avoid derailing nominees and ensure a smooth start for the incoming administration.
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