Trump has moved at record-setting speed to announce his key picks, and Senate GOP leaders say they plan to launch confirmation hearings as soon as the new Congress convenes on Jan. 3 — potentially allowing them to begin voting on nominees as soon as Inauguration Day.

FBI background checks and ethics agreements are a standard part of vetting cabinet nominees. But, so far, the Trump transition is going its own way.

President-elect Donald Trump's transition team has not signed agreements needed to start the formal changeover process, delaying security clearances and briefings for incoming officials. This delay has raised concerns about potential national security risks and the new administration's preparedness to govern effectively.