Prof. Richard Painter Quoted in Star Tribune Editorial About Vetting Process for Presidential Cabinet Picks

Professor Richard Painter, Professor Richard Painter, S. Walter Richey Professor of Corporate Law, was quoted by Jill Burcum of the Star Tribune editorial board about Donald Trump trying to bypass FBI background checks on some of his Cabinet picks. Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar said that an FBI clearance has been the standard since the Eisenhower administration. She noted that some of these jobs involve national security, which underscores the need to ensure unquestioned integrity. At least four Republican senators have voiced support for the importance of FBI vetting. Prof. Painter said the agency’s vetting remains the “gold standard” and that previous administrations have run into trouble when ignoring that. In addition, he said using a private firm for a background search is not a substitute for a thorough FYI check. Painter pointed out another reason why the FBI’s work may be more accurate and thorough than an outside firm. “If you lie to the FBI, anybody who they ask questions of, lies to the FBI, that’s a criminal offense,” Painter said. “You lie to a private company, what can they get you for? Nothing.”