Letter to the Hon. Christopher Wray, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Senators Ask FBI for Complete List of White House Staffers Working Without Full Security Clearance

Letter

Director Wray:

We write out of concern regarding the White House's troubling reliance on the use of interim security clearances and whether there has been any mishandling of classified information by individuals entrusted with our national security secrets. Given that the F.B.I. conducts a background investigation into every individual working at the White House as part of the security clearance process, we respectfully request that you provide the names of all individuals who currently hold interim security clearances, and the status of their F.B.I. background investigations.

Credible recent reports indicate that 30-40 White House staff currently have full access to highly sensitive classified information with only interim security clearances. This practice seems to conflict with testimony from the Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, who confirmed to Congress yesterday that temporary or interim security clearances should provide staff with only limited access to sensitive and classified information. We are deeply concerned that high level officials operating under an interim security clearance, like Jared Kushner, read the President's daily intelligence briefing. His role as Senior Advisor to the President with a focus on brokering peace in the Middle East also give him access to highly sensitive and classified information. What is the status of Mr. Kushner's permanent security clearance? Has the F.B.I. provided information to the White House about whether Mr. Kushner will be able to obtain a permanent security clearance, and whether he is ineligible for any category of security clearance?

You also testified yesterday that the F.B.I. completed a background investigation into White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter in late July, yet he remained in his position until last week. Who else is currently working at the White House following the completion of a background investigation without being able to obtain a permanent security clearance? Please provide a list of these individuals, under seal if necessary.

We request answers to these questions as soon as possible.