Former FBI agent pushes Biden to investigate Trump's Cabinet nominees
- Trump's transition team has opted for private investigations instead of standard FBI background checks for Cabinet nominees.
- Concerns have been raised due to multiple allegations against Trump's nominees, with some facing serious allegations of misconduct.
- Former FBI assistant director Frank Figliuzzi called for President Biden to comply with existing protocols and conduct investigations.
The issue arose after President-elect Donald Trump decided against conducting FBI background checks for some of his Cabinet nominees, opting instead for private investigations. This decision has raised concerns, particularly given allegations against nominees like Pete Hegseth, who faces a rape allegation. Frank Figliuzzi, a former FBI assistant director for counterintelligence, commented on MSNBC that bypassing traditional checks might lead to unwanted revelations. He pointed out that under a 1963 law, President Biden or congressional committees have the ability to initiate these investigations, emphasizing that compliance with established protocols is essential, especially given the serious nature of the allegations against some nominees. Despite the scrutiny, top Republicans like Senator Bill Hagerty have downplayed the need for such background checks, asserting that the focus should be on fulfilling the mandate voters support.