1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

The White House's decision to halt the FBI's standard background check process for senior staff raises significant concerns about upholding proper vetting procedures and national security. Transferring these crucial investigations to the Department of Defense is an unprecedented move that breaks from long-standing precedent. Background checks play a vital role in ensuring the reliability, trustworthiness, and loyalty of individuals appointed to sensitive positions within the administration. Circumventing the FBI's rigorous process risks compromising national security and eroding public trust in the integrity of government personnel. A return to the established norms of thorough FBI background checks for senior White House officials is imperative to protect the nation's interests and maintain accountability. This concerning shift demands reconsideration to reinstate the FBI's role in this critical vetting process.