Many who pursue a White House career have a political background, or at least an interest in politics, but there are some who don't who still play a vital role in the success of an administration.

The White House has quietly told the FBI to halt background checks on dozens of the president's top staffers and has transferred the process to the Pentagon, sources say.

The president signed the order ahead of a trip to Monterey Park, California, where 11 people were killed in January at a gathering for Lunar New Year celebrations.