A whistleblower from FBI headquarters has raised alarms about the bureau’s ability to fairly conduct background checks for President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees, citing political bias within its Security Division (SecD). The claims were detailed in a protected disclosure sent to the House Judiciary Committee and reviewed by The Washington Times.

The whistleblower alleged that SecD has been “contaminated by political agendas,” particularly against conservative and pro-Trump figures. The disclosure accused FBI Director Christopher Wray and Deputy Director Paul Abbate of having access to all background investigations and using the process to retaliate against individuals based on political views.

The irony, the great and wonderful FBI…https://t.co/dCmUEXLl4K

— Shermichael Singleton (@MrShermichael) November 15, 2024

The whistleblower claimed SecD previously denied clearances to military veterans, employees who refused COVID-19 vaccinations, and others with conservative Christian beliefs. These same officials, the whistleblower warned, would oversee the background checks of Trump’s appointees, potentially sharing sensitive information with the current Biden administration under the guise of “national security reasons.”

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

President-elect Trump has already bypassed traditional FBI background checks for some nominees, opting for private companies instead. His unconventional picks include former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, former Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary. Critics suggest these choices highlight the urgency of unbiased vetting, while supporters argue it reflects a fresh approach to governance.

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 FBI defended its role, stating that it serves as a fact-finding body and does not adjudicate the results of background checks. However, the whistleblower alleged that SecD has used its authority to retaliate against employees and potentially influence other agencies for prosecutions based on background data.

The disclosure also highlighted alleged abuses within SecD, including allowing leakers and those accused of misconduct to retain security clearances while denying clearances to individuals with opposing political views. These revelations add another layer of scrutiny to an FBI already criticized for its handling of key investigations and perceived lack of impartiality.