Background checks are normal for key staff positions in all presidential administrations. I had one one on me.
According to published reports, US Justice Department officials supervise background checks of nominees. As the FBI investigations focus on "character and conduct" and are completed "as expeditiously as possible," according to the agency
"The FBI serves as an investigative service provider and does not adjudicate or render an opinion on the results of the background investigation," the FBI said in a statement. "The FBI's role is purely fact-finding."
"Once the FBI has taken the requested investigative steps the report is sent to the Office of White House Counsel or the Office of the President-Elect for their use or follow-up as deemed appropriate," the statement continued. "As with any other investigation, the FBI does not publicly comment on investigations."
- A 1953 executive order by POTUS Dwight D. Eisenhower established the requirement for background investigations.
- Presidents and, presidents-elect identify nominees for key positions, which must undergo background investigations to be ready to assume their new positions.
- Background checks are required for positions involving Cabinet members, other positions with Cabinet-level status, and high-ranking members of the White House staff, such as the counsels, chiefs of staff, and national security advisors to the president and vice president.
- FBI background checks include personal interviews and records checks. They also investigate a person's residence, education, employment, finances, and military service. The agency also investigates a person's marital history and verifies their U.S. citizenship status.
- The FBI interviews former and current employers, neighbors, colleagues, and others who know the nominee.
- The FBI completes more than 1,200 background investigations for positions for new administrations.
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The Bureau hands over the results of its investigations to the Office of the President, or President-elect, which depending on the position is responsible for providing the reports to Senate members who may be part of the confirmation process.
On a personal note, while the investigation was underway, one of my father's close friends, a high-level official of a Larry e commercial company, received a visit from investigators, who wanted to interview him about me. My dad was alarmed and inquired, so I explained this was normal and part of the process.
In my case, once the probe was completed, I was summoned to the closest federal building for the confession, where a series of questions were asked of me that I answered so government investigators could complete their findings.
Only after was I given top secret national security clearance to serve as a G-15/10 under that particular POTUS administration… And so it goes.