An FBI whistleblower has accused the bureau’s Security Division (SecD) of bias, claiming it cannot be trusted to vet President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees impartially. The allegations, submitted to the House Judiciary Committee, raise concerns about the bureau’s ability to conduct politically neutral background checks.
The whistleblower alleged that SecD, which oversees security clearances, has been influenced by political agendas, particularly under FBI Director Christopher Wray and Deputy Director Paul Abbate. The disclosure claims SecD has previously retaliated against employees with conservative or pro-Trump views by denying or revoking clearances.
Personally, I have a ton of issues with the FBI that go beyond my politics. I frankly don’t trust it as an agency because of its history of targeting Black leaders and activists.
This isn’t even about Trump’s potential nominee to me because some things supersede politics. This… pic.twitter.com/i79SOIQzXQ
— Shermichael Singleton (@MrShermichael) November 15, 2024
Trump’s transition team has reportedly sidestepped traditional FBI checks for some nominees, opting for private vetting instead. Notable selections, including former Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary, have drawn both criticism and praise for their unconventional backgrounds.
In a statement, the FBI defended its process, asserting that it conducts fact-finding investigations without rendering judgments. However, the whistleblower alleged that SecD officials have used the process to advance personal and political agendas, potentially sharing sensitive information with other agencies or the current administration.
BREAKING: President Trump has allegedly declined to have the FBI conduct background checks on his cabinet nominees, opting instead to use private investigators, according to CNN. pic.twitter.com/EtwnkMtQ4z
— Jesse Morgan (@Jesse_Morgan_) November 15, 2024
The irony, the great and wonderful FBI…https://t.co/dCmUEXLl4K
— Shermichael Singleton (@MrShermichael) November 15, 2024
The disclosure also accused SecD of granting clearances to individuals accused of misconduct while denying them to those with opposing political views. These claims have fueled existing concerns about politicization within the FBI and its handling of high-profile cases.
Trump’s Attorney General nominee Matt Gaetz once said the FBI needs to be put down “like a bad dog that’s been turned against it’s owner.”
pic.twitter.com/1HCmn2IfPT— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) November 13, 2024
As Trump prepares to take office, the whistleblower’s allegations highlight the challenges his administration faces in ensuring a fair and impartial vetting process for nominees. The claims underscore the need for transparency and accountability within the bureau.
