Inaction at this stage is already causing significant setbacks. The federal government's ability to begin processing security clearances and provide briefings to the incoming administration is being severely hindered. Stier pointed out that without proper planning, it would be impossible for the new administration to be ready to govern when the time comes. As he put it, "It would not be possible to be ready to govern on day one."
At the helm of the president-elect's transition team are Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive and the previous head of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term. The two had expressed their expectation last month that formal transition agreements would be signed with both the Biden White House and the General Services Administration (GSA), which handles many of the logistical aspects of a presidential transition. These agreements are crucial for ensuring the proper handover of responsibilities.
But here’s the catch: the agreements remain unsigned, and this delay is beginning to cause real problems. The federal government’s hands are tied, unable to process security clearances for Trump administration appointees, especially those in national security roles. This backlog could prevent key staff from gaining access to sensitive information or federal facilities in time for Inauguration Day, which falls on January 20. It’s not just a matter of access to information—it’s also about preparation. Trump’s appointees are unable to prepare effectively for office without the ability to meet with federal personnel, access documents, or visit government facilities.
The Presidential Transition Act of 2022 outlines the necessary steps for facilitating this process, including the signing of agreements that would establish ethical guidelines and set limits on private donations. These agreements must be signed by specific deadlines—September 1 for the GSA agreement and October 1 for the White House agreement. However, both of these deadlines have passed without action.
Stier, whose organization works closely with both incoming and outgoing administrations to manage transitions, emphasized the complexity of the task at hand. A new president enters office inheriting one of the most complex organizations in the world, and Stier believes that proper preparation is essential. “In order to do that effectively, they absolutely need to have done a lot of prework,” Stier said. The absence of these critical agreements with the federal government, he continued, marks a distinct departure from past transitions.
Trump's transition team, led by Lutnick and McMahon, has downplayed the importance of these agreements. In a statement this week, the two leaders emphasized that Trump is focused on selecting personnel to carry out his vision for the country, particularly on policies aimed at improving the lives of Americans. Notably absent from their remarks was any mention of the formal agreements that are necessary to kickstart the transition.
A source familiar with the situation suggested that the reluctance to sign these agreements could be linked to concerns over the mandated ethics disclosures and contribution limits included in the Presidential Transition Act. These requirements have apparently created roadblocks for the Trump team as they seek to formalize their transition process.
Trump's transition spokesperson, Brian Hughes, offered a more measured response, saying that the team’s lawyers are engaged in "constructive" discussions with Biden-Harris administration lawyers regarding all the agreements stipulated by the Presidential Transition Act. He assured the public that updates would be provided once a decision had been made.
Despite the ongoing reluctance, there have been attempts to resolve the situation. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients reached out to Lutnick and McMahon to reiterate the importance of the agreements in facilitating a smooth transition. As White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, the administration is committed to ensuring a peaceful transfer of power. "We’re here to assist. We want to have a peaceful transition of power," she said. "We want to make sure they have what they need."
Looking back at the 2016 presidential transition, this unorthodox approach feels eerily familiar. After his Election Day victory, President-elect Trump made waves by firing former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who had been leading his transition team. Trump also dismissed a transition playbook that had been developed in preparation for the handover of power. While this year’s delay in formalizing the transition is concerning, there is a key difference: back in 2016, Trump's team did sign the necessary agreements that allowed the transition to officially begin.
"The story's not finished, but they’re late," Stier observed, noting that even if the agreements are signed now, they will be coming in far behind schedule. The importance of these agreements cannot be overstated—without them, the incoming administration will be left scrambling, trying to catch up in a race that should have started long ago.
The consequences of failing to execute a timely and efficient transition are far-reaching. Beyond the immediate logistical issues, there is a risk of undermining public confidence in the government's ability to function smoothly. When a new administration takes office, there is an expectation that it will hit the ground running, ready to tackle the nation's most pressing issues. Any delays or disruptions in the transition process will only add to the sense of uncertainty that often accompanies political change.
For the country’s stability, it is critical that both sides, the outgoing and incoming administrations, work together to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. Time is of the essence, and while the situation is not yet irreversible, the window for getting everything in place before Inauguration Day is rapidly closing.
In conclusion, the clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting for President-elect Trump’s team to sign the necessary transition agreements. As the federal government holds its breath, the question remains whether the incoming administration will be able to overcome these delays and be fully prepared to govern. The stakes are high, and the need for timely action has never been more urgent. If this transition is not handled properly, the consequences could be felt far beyond January 20.
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