--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome to Today Explained. I'm Sean Rameswaram.
--:-- Ella Nilsen: Hi, I'm Ella Nilsen, and I cover Congress for Vox.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Today, we're talking about a story that's been getting a lot of attention lately. It's about how the Trump administration has been handling top secret security clearances for some White House officials. Can you explain what's going on?
--:-- Ella Nilsen: So, usually, when you need a security clearance, you fill out this huge form, and then you get a background check. But in the Trump administration, it seems like they're not following the usual process. They're giving people security clearances without the usual vetting.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And who are these people? Are they just low-level employees or are they high up in the administration?
--:-- Ella Nilsen: Well, it's a mix. But some of the most notable examples are people like Michael Flynn, who was Trump's national security adviser, and Jared Kushner, who is Trump's son-in-law and a senior advisor.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Right. And what's the problem with their security clearances?
--:-- Ella Nilsen: So, Michael Flynn had to leave the White House in 2017 because he lied to Vice President Pence about his discussions with the Russian ambassador. But Trump didn't pull his security clearance, which is unusual. And Jared Kushner had his application rejected by career White House officials, but Trump personally intervened and gave him a security clearance anyway.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's interesting. And what about Rob Porter, the former staff secretary in the Trump White House?
--:-- Ella Nilsen: Yeah, Rob Porter was another example. He was working on an interim security clearance, but then it came out that he had been accused of domestic abuse by his ex-wives. And people realized that he was handling sensitive files without a permanent security clearance.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Wow, that's a big deal. And what about Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner's wife and Trump's daughter? Did she get a security clearance too?
--:-- Ella Nilsen: Yeah, it's kind of the same thing with Ivanka. We don't know as much about her application, but it seems like Trump personally intervened to give her a security clearance too.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Okay, so it sounds like this is a bigger problem than just these few high-profile examples. Can you tell us more about that?
--:-- Ella Nilsen: Yeah, NBC News reported that there are over 30 people who have had their security clearance applications rejected by career officials, but then Trump personally intervened and gave them clearance anyway.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a lot of people. And who is the person behind all of this? Is it Trump himself or someone else in the administration?
--:-- Ella Nilsen: Well, there's a guy named Carl Kline who is the director of the personnel security division of the executive office of the president. He's the one who's been overruling the career officials and giving people security clearances.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Okay, so what's the concern here? Is this a big deal or is it just a minor issue?
--:-- Ella Nilsen: I think it's a big deal. I mean, security clearances are supposed to be a way to protect national security, and if people are getting them without proper vetting, that's a problem.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what's the investigation about? Is it just about security clearances or is it something bigger?
--:-- Ella Nilsen: The investigation is about the Trump administration's handling of security clearances, but it's also part of a broader investigation into Trump's dealings with Russia.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Okay, so it's a big story. And what can we expect to learn from this investigation?
--:-- Ella Nilsen: Well, we might learn more about what's going on with Jared Kushner's background check and why he was rejected by career officials. And we might also learn more about the Trump administration's dealings with Russia.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Okay, so that's the story so far. Thanks for explaining it to us, Ella.
--:-- Ella Nilsen: Thanks for having me on the show.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And before we go, we want to remind you that Aspiration is a bank that's trying to save the planet. They take 10% of their earnings and give it to charities that help Americans in need. And they offer extra cash back rewards if you shop at socially conscious businesses. So if you're looking for a bank that's trying to make a difference, check out Aspiration.
--:-- Ella Nilsen: And you can download the Aspiration app to open up an account today.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Thanks to Aspiration for supporting the show today.
--:-- Ella Nilsen: And thanks to our listeners for tuning in.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: This is Today Explained. I'm Sean Rameswaram.
--:-- Ella Nilsen: And I'm Ella Nilsen.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Thanks for listening.
--:-- Ella Nilsen: See you tomorrow.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Bye.
