Trump Holds Back on Key Transition Agreements, Blocking Access to Agencies

As President-elect Donald Trump approaches his inauguration, he has yet to complete the necessary paperwork to facilitate his presidential transition. This delay raises concerns among political experts, who stress the importance of a smooth transition to mitigate vulnerabilities in a new administration.

Despite rapidly announcing senior staff and Cabinet selections, Trump has not finalized several agreements crucial for his team. These agreements would enable access to confidential information, essential briefings from federal agencies, and resources such as office space and staff assistance.

The Trump transition team has not provided updates on the status of these agreements. Transition spokesperson Brian Hughes mentioned that the team’s attorneys are engaging with the Biden-Harris Administration, but no further details have emerged.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre affirmed that communication between the two teams continues, emphasizing the goal of an effective transition. On November 13, President Joe Biden met with Trump to discuss transition matters, reflecting an ongoing commitment to collaboration.

Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, a senior fellow at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, underscored the critical nature of the missing agreements. One key document is a memorandum of understanding that would permit incoming officials to meet with designated transition staff at federal agencies. “Without it, they cannot access government offices, which means no briefings,” Tenpas remarked, indicating that this could lead to dangerous gaps in preparedness.

Historical precedents underscore the risks of inadequate transition planning. Events such as the 9/11 attacks and the bomb explosion in the World Trade Center’s parking garage during Bill Clinton’s early presidency highlight the vulnerabilities incoming administrations can face. Tenpas noted, “This first year is a really vulnerable moment for the United States,” especially given current geopolitical tensions.

The Presidential Transition Act of 1963 establishes a legal framework for power hand-offs between administrations, initiating a process that begins nearly two years before an election. Coordination between the outgoing administration and incoming leaders is essential to ensure a smooth transition, with specific deadlines for agreements and preparations set by the General Services Administration.

While the Trump team has missed several critical deadlines tied to these agreements, records indicate that Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign adhered to the established timeline by submitting necessary documentation. This situation raises questions about the Trump team’s readiness and adherence to transition protocols.