Trump Advisers Propose Private Agency for Security Clearances
- Trump's advisers propose allowing him to issue security clearances to appointees without relying on traditional FBI procedures.
- Private-sector investigators would replace the FBI for conducting background checks on potential appointees.
- This proposal reflects Trump's ongoing tension with the FBI, indicating a potential shift in the appointment process if he were elected.
In the United States, a group of six advisers to Donald Trump has drafted a controversial memo suggesting that, if he wins the presidency in 2024, he should have the authority to issue security clearances to his appointees bypassing the traditional FBI background check process. This proposal allows for private-sector investigators to conduct necessary background checks instead. Boris Epshteyn, a legal adviser involved in Trump's 2024 campaign, is reportedly among the advisers advocating for this change. The initiative comes amid Trump's ongoing tensions with the FBI, stemming from accusations that elements within the agency have actively worked against him during his presidency. Although the new proposal has been circulated, it remains unclear whether Trump has formally reviewed or endorsed it. The implications of this memo could shift the landscape of how security clearances are handled, fostering a more partisan environment for future appointees and possibly raising concerns about the integrity of the security clearance process.