President-elect Donald Trump doesn't usually have kind words for his predecessor, Joe Biden, particularly when it involves foreign policy. Trump has repeatedly criticized Biden's performance, branding him as ineffective and asserting he has damaged America's international credibility. Yet, as the world faces significant crises, including mounting tensions in Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria, the reality is pushing both Trump's and Biden's national security teams to collaborate more closely than expected.
This unexpected teamwork is borne out of necessity, as Trump's team acknowledges the importance of having seamless transitions between administrations during turbulent times. Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security adviser, emphasized the commitment both teams share to ensuring stability amid increasing global unrest. "There is a deep conviction on the part of the incoming national security team...that it is our job, on behalf of the American people, to make sure this is a smooth transition," Sullivan stated at a recent forum. Such sentiments reflect the seriousness with which both teams regard the complex global issues at hand.
While the Biden administration has faced turmoil and accusations of incompetence from Trump—who blames Biden for conflicts and suggests their origins lie within his leadership—there's also recognition within Trump’s camp of the cooperation they are receiving. Mike Waltz, the incoming national security adviser, noted, "We are one team with the United States in this transition," aiming to prevent adversaries from exploiting any perceived weakness.
This cooperation contrasts sharply with the transition turmoil during Trump's first presidency, where Biden's team faced significant roadblocks. Current officials from both teams suggest this handover is the most comprehensive since Obama and Bush handled their transitions back in 2008. This swath of change signifies how both sides are realizing their roles transcend party lines when the stakes for the country are so high.
Nevertheless, Trump’s triumphs during his campaign were frequently tinged with claims of how Biden's policies have led to chaos on the world stage. Trump articulated clear plans to redirect America's foreign engagement, indicating he would prioritize ending the war in Ukraine quickly. Just days ago, he urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek immediate ceasefire solutions. Nevertheless, the Biden administration is carefully framing its push to support Ukraine as fundamentally compatible with Trump's expressed intentions.
On the frontlines of this collaboration, the Biden administration has actively communicated its strategies concerning urgent topics like the Israel-Palestine crisis and Syrian conflicts, signaling little surprise to Trump's team about its operational tactics. According to White House spokesman John Kirby, "Nothing... we’re doing or saying are coming as a surprise to the incoming team." This openness is part of maintaining good relations and constructing policy directions as both administrations prepare to face geopolitical challenges together.
Interestingly, even within Trump's traditional skepticism of certain negotiations, he pointed out developments illustrating concurrence with Biden. On social media, he referenced how developments affecting Assad's regime relate directly to the war dynamics involving Ukraine, saying, "Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now...because of Ukraine and [because of] Israel and its fighting success."
Through Sullivan's reflections, it's apparent there’s some form of shared strategy developing. An emphasis has been placed on avoiding direct U.S. military presence on Syrian soil, something both Biden and Trump agree upon, illustrating how even their differences take backseat when dealing with pressing international matters.
With significant restructurings on the diplomatic front, Sullivan is also advocating for the International Development Finance Corporation—a tool for the U.S. to engage positively with developing nations—arguing it should be maintained amid the incoming administration's potential cuts. Interestingly, this agency was initially founded during Trump's presidency, showcasing yet another area of cooperation.
Meanwhile, efforts are being made to notify allies, like Israel, about the necessary continuity of American wisdom and support, especially under potential shifts in governance. The Biden administration’s recent memorandum aimed at countering rising alliances among global adversaries, including China and Iran, is especially significant. By extending this document to the Trump transition team, they are not trying to box them, but rather prepare them to take over with the necessary knowledge.
With the Jan. 20, 2025 inauguration day on the horizon, the Biden administration remains alert to potential shifts and is making every effort to assist its successor. Sullivan also advised Trump’s team on maintaining vigilance against adversarial maneuvers. The conversations between the two sides indicate more agreement than discord, fortifying the notion all players are recognizing the need for united front amid international chaos.
When crises arise, bipartisan cooperation is always going to be put to the test, and both Biden and Trump face the pressure of history's eye watching their steps. While both parties might have contrasting views on various issues, the harsh truth is often encouraging teamwork and resilience surpasses any political divide. For the moment, it seems the imperative for both leadership teams is to spotlight unity over division, for the good of America and its place on the world stage.
