Trump Signs Off on FBI Vetting Incoming Administration Picks

What was considered to be the last major obstacle to the peaceful transfer of power between the Biden and Trump administrations has been cleared.

Trump has been trying to cut costs on the transition process, and he had yet to sign off on the FBI vetting administration officials.

On Tuesday, however, the transition team announced the agreement had been signed.

It’s a Done Deal

Traditionally, the FBI has handled the vetting of security clearances for incoming officials, but we all know how Trump feels about the FBI.

There were serious concerns, even among Republicans, that foregoing this procedure could create a national security risk.

That has now been put aside with the transition team finally signing off on the vetting and supplying the FBI with the names it needs to provide clearances for.

Incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles stated, "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.”

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) responded, "I think that’s good –– it’ll save them some headache.

"And it’ll give the public and senators a little comfort, I think, so I’m glad to hear that."

Ironically, the man in charge of the FBI is likely to be fired on Trump’s first day, as Trump has already named Wray’s successor even though Wray still has two years left on his term.

In announcing Kash Patel as his choice to head the agency, Trump stated, "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.

"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.”

I still believe Patel will face significant resistance for this post and I would be highly surprised if he makes it through the Senate confirmation process.

If Patel is rejected by the Senate, I still expect Patel to serve in this administration, just not in a Senate-approved post.