Donald Trump is now set to get the same intelligence briefing as President Obama — one day after being elected
Work on Mr Trump's transition team is already underway and he will meet Mr Obama tomorrow
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.When Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton became the de facto candidates of their parties this summer, there was no small disgruntlement and concern - from part sides of the political contest - that they would be entitled to limited intelligence briefings.
Critics of Mr Trump alleged that some of that information would find its way to the Kremlin through one of the tycoon’s advisers who had ties to Russia. Meanwhile, opponents of Ms Clinton suggested any information she received would be not be safe as a result of her use of a private email server.
Now, a day after Mr Trump became president-elect, it has emerged that the 70-year-old Republican will begin to receive practically the same briefings received as President Barack Obama.
CBS said that the tycoon’s transition team will begin their work on Wednesday in New York, meeting with Mr Trump, to begin the world of considering cabinet posts.
Mr Trump will be presented the top recommendations for cabinet secretaries. The team is also prepared to vet any additional names Mr Trump may mention for consideration, the network said.
It said that that the transition will be carried out in New York, where senior staff will meet with Mr Trump regularly, and in a large Washington-based office established for transition work.
At this stage, the two dominant transition advisers are New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, both of whom the president-elect mentioned in his early morning victory remarks.
Non-political, career intelligence agents are waiting to brief the campaign and president-elect as soon as his team requests it, the network said. They are not part of Mr Trump’s internal transition meetings due to take place on Wednesday.
President Obama has already authorised guidance on the type of intelligence he deems important for the president-elect to get briefings on. Up until January 20th, Mr Obama will be able to weigh in and authorise what is disclosed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments