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.
“This agreement with the Department of Justice will ensure President Trump and his team are ready on Day 1 to begin enacting the America First Agenda that an overwhelming majority of our nation supported on Election Day,” said Susie Wiles, President-elect Donald Trump’s chief of staff, in a statement.
The announcement was met with relief from Republican lawmakers, some of whom had expressed concerns over the initial refusal to submit nominees to DOJ background checks. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) told Politico, “It’ll give the public and senators a little comfort…so I’m glad to hear that.”
Trump and his allies have been vocal critics of the FBI, accusing the bureau of being part of a “deep state” and alleging that Democrats have weaponized the agency. These criticisms intensified during and after the campaign. Trump’s nominee to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, has echoed these sentiments, promising to restore public trust in the agency.
On Sunday, Trump announced Patel’s nomination on Truth Social, praising his extensive experience. “Kash did an incredible job during my First Term, where he served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council. Kash has also tried over 60 jury trials,” Trump wrote.
Outlining Patel’s priorities, Trump added, “This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border. Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI.”
With the DOJ agreement now in place, the transition team can move forward with vetting nominees, clearing the way for the incoming administration to hit the ground running. Patel’s leadership of the FBI, alongside Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, signals a major shift in priorities as the Trump administration prepares to tackle crime and border security with its America First agenda.
