Trump transition staff poised to access national security secrets, Justice Department says

The Justice Department issued its first official comment on the presidential transition Friday, indicating that officials there are prepared to help incoming advisers to President-elect Donald Trump get access to classified information.

“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring an orderly and effective transition to the new Administration,” the statement said. “We are prepared to deliver briefings to the transition team on our operations and responsibilities, and we stand ready to process requests for security clearances for those who will need access to national security information.”

The provision of security clearances to transition team members is overseen by the Office of Director of National Intelligence, but also involves the Justice Department and FBI, according to a report the Biden administration submitted to Congress earlier this year.

Once Trump is inaugurated in January, he will have sweeping power to grant or revoke clearances to people, regardless of the outcome of background checks.