Donald Trump’s transition team on Tuesday signed an agreement to allow the US justice department to conduct background checks on his nominees and appointees, after a weeks-long delay.
The step lets transition aides and future administration staffers of the Republican president-elect obtain security clearances before he is inaugurated on 20 January to access classified information about government programs, an essential step for a smooth transition of power. It also allows those nominees who are up for confirmation by the US Senate to face the background checks lawmakers want before voting on them.
Teams of investigators have been standing by to process clearances for Trump aides and advisers.
“This agreement with the Department of Justice will ensure President Trump and his team are ready on day one to begin enacting the America-first agenda that an overwhelming majority of our nation supported on election day,” said Susie Wiles, Trump’s designate to be White House chief of staff.
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