Donald Trump’s transition team ignores FBI ethics commitments and background checks
In demonstrating his contempt for both the federal bureaucracy and standard protocol, President-elect Donald Trump is challenging virtually every norm of presidential transition, from coordination with federal agencies to background checks of candidates for top management positions. Trump’s transition team is operating entirely out of Mar-a-Lago, female Washington Post third reportand has yet to “set foot in a single federal office.” The group also has not yet worked with the General Services Administration — the federal government’s logistics hub — because Trump reportedly did not issue a mandatory ethics pledge explaining how he would address the personal conflicts of interest.
GSA is just one of the agencies that Trump appears to have eliminated as he prepares for his second administration: Parcel reported that the president-elect also refused to use the State Department’s secure telephone lines and interpreters, and avoided the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s security screening system. House Democrats, especially concerned about this last “innovation,” proposed law on Tuesday, that would require Executive Office staff to receive FBI security clearances or disclose to Congress when they fail to do so. But that bill has little chance of moving forward, and it’s unclear what its practical effect would be: Once back in office, Trump would again have the power to issue security measures while he’s in office. sees fit, regardless of the FBI (or anyone else) think.
Currently, Trump has assigned the job of screening some candidates for cabinet positions and other senior staff positions to private lawyers. Stanley Woodwardwho is perhaps the best known for his work representing former Trump aides and January 6 rioters. Other appointees went completely unchecked, Parcel report, which may explain how Trump has nominated so many candidates with significant luggagesuch as former Congressman Tulsi Gabbard And Matt Gaetzas well as the former Fox News host Pete Hegseth.
Trump is now challenge the Senate to approve those nominees, despite their written objections. He also consider sign the ethical requirements and conflict of interest statement, a transition spokesman said speak. However, until he does, Trump’s transition team cannot receive official briefings, enter federal agencies or speak with government employees. This is not a great look for an administration that has pledged to reshape federal policy from its roots. the very first day at the office.
