Donald Trump’s recent election victory has been accompanied by considerable controversy over his team’s handling of the presidential transition process, raising questions about the adherence to established protocols. Just two weeks post-election, Trump had yet to finalize the necessary legal documents to initiate this transition, leaving many procedural norms unfulfilled for the incoming administration.
According to the White House, Trump had not signed the required memorandums of agreement with the General Service Administration (GSA), which include key components such as the ethics policy meant to guide new appointees. This delay is significant, as it obstructs the government's ability to grant security clearances and access to information for Trump’s incoming team, who are scheduled to be sworn in on January 20.
During press briefings, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed the lack of action on Trump's part, stating, "Our teams continue to stay in touch... the Trump-Vance transition team has not yet entered agreements with the White House and the General Service Administration." This communication gap has sparked concern from various political quarters.
Despite the procedural shortcomings, Trump has been active behind the scenes, rapidly assembling his White House staff and Cabinet. His Cabinet nominees, though moving forward, have circumvented the conventional FBI background checks which are typically standard practice. For example, former Republican Representative Matt Gaetz, nominated for Attorney General, withdrew amid allegations of misconduct and the fallout from investigations by the House Ethics Committee.
Trump's refusal to finalize transition documents has drawn sharp criticism from his opponents. Democratic U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin raised alarms prior to the election, arguing Trump was breaking from the precedent established by previous presidents. He questioned Trump’s decision-making and ethics, especially considering the last-minute agreements required by the Presidential Transition Act.
Adding to the chorus of disapproval, Senator Elizabeth Warren, who played a role in crafting the transition law, publicly criticized Trump for failing to comply, pointing to it as indicative of potential corrupt behavior. Her tweet highlighted the importance of establishing conflict-of-interest safeguards, which seem neglected under the current circumstances.
While officials from the Biden Administration, including Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, have reached out to Trump’s transition team leaders, including Linda McMahon and Howard Lutnick, the absence of formal agreements remains problematic. Jean-Pierre mentioned they stand ready to assist and provide access to pertinent information; yet, without these agreements, the process is hindered.
Trump’s lawyers insist they are engaging constructively with Biden-Harris administration officials. Brian Hughes, spokesperson for Trump’s team, noted the intention is to finalize agreements under the framework established by the Presidential Transition Act but refrained from explaining the delays. Political analysts speculate Trump’s hesitance may revolve around the ethics pledge included within the transition documents, which would force greater transparency and accountability from his administration.
Trump's transition has not followed the conventional playbook, introducing additional uncertainty as the nation remains on edge about the impending transition of power. The absence of formal engagements might have ramifications not just for Trump’s immediate team but could also affect how the new administration approaches its governing responsibilities.
Moving forward, political insiders will be watching closely to see how this transition evolves, particularly as Trump continues to put together his fast-moving Cabinet selections. His choices for key roles will likely influence his policy direction and governance style, setting the tone for his new presidency.
