The Trump-Vance transition team announced Tuesday that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Justice, allowing the FBI to conduct background checks and security clearances for cabinet nominees and incoming White House staff. The agreement follows a period of hesitation by the transition team, citing distrust of the FBI. Traditionally, the FBI is responsible for vetting cabinet nominees and managing security clearances, but the process had been delayed due to the lack of an agreement.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and incoming Senator Adam Schiff, both prominent Democrats, have criticized President Joe Biden for pardoning his son, Hunter Biden. The Sunday decision has sparked division within the Democratic Party, with Newsom and Schiff voicing concerns about the precedent it sets.
President-elect Donald Trump is considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a potential replacement for Pete Hegseth, his current nominee for Secretary of Defense. This development arises amid concerns over Hegseth's ability to secure Senate confirmation due to allegations of sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement.
