Trump Team Outsourcing Vetting?
The Trump campaign appears to be preparing an unconventional strategy to handle presidential appointments if Trump returns to office. Recently, six of Trump’s advisers reportedly suggested in a memo that background checks for appointees could be outsourced to private agencies instead of handled by the FBI, a shift aimed at boosting efficiency and avoiding the bureaucracy often associated with federal vetting.
Traditionally, the FBI’s Spin Squad from Washington’s Field Office conducts these investigations, covering everyone from judicial nominees to key appointees. This new proposal, however, suggests private-sector investigators could take on these duties.
John Solomon’s Just The News reported that Boris Epshteyn, a Trump legal advisor, was named as a potential source for the proposal, and it aligns with Trump’s longstanding criticisms of the FBI’s handling of sensitive cases involving his administration.
To supporters of this shift, outsourcing is more than just practical; it’s an opportunity for Trump to sidestep what they view as a politicized system under the FBI’s current leadership. Despite their national security responsibilities, the FBI has increasingly faced criticism, especially from conservatives who argue that its top management prioritizes political agendas over impartiality.
Proponents of this proposal believe that contracting background checks to a private firm would sidestep some of the pitfalls of FBI bureaucracy while maintaining security standards—something already in practice under Background Investigations Contract Services (BICS), which employs former FBI personnel with high security clearances.
The proposal reflects Trump’s broader strategic shift. In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, Trump highlighted the importance of bringing in “real people” with hands-on experience rather than relying on career bureaucrats who may shy away from challenging the status quo.
He also admitted that one of his primary challenges during his first term was appointing leaders who could withstand political pressures, mentioning his regret over past decisions, particularly former FBI Director James Comey and, later, Christopher Wray.
Many former FBI agents echo Trump’s view that the agency is ready for reform but not defunding. These agents argue that internal adjustments are needed to refocus on core investigative missions while shedding what some describe as “woke” initiatives that detract from effective law enforcement.
Trump’s commitment to reshaping the FBI without undercutting its mission is resonating with those who see the institution’s value but want more decisive, nonpartisan leadership.