Trump Stalls Presidential Transition: No Agreement Signed Yet

WASHINGTON — As President Joe Biden prepares for a crucial meeting with President-elect Donald Trump later this week, the latter has yet to complete the necessary paperwork for an effective transition of power. This delay impacts the accessibility of vital resources that facilitate a seamless handover between administrations.

Transition spokesperson Brian Hughes communicated to States Newsroom that “The Trump-Vance transition lawyers continue to constructively engage with the Biden-Harris Administration lawyers regarding all agreements contemplated by the Presidential Transition Act.” He added that updates will follow once a decision is reached.

Biden is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Wednesday morning. One of the pending agreements involves a memorandum of understanding between the Trump-Vance team and the U.S. General Services Administration. This arrangement covers essential resources such as office space, information technology services, and staff support, as outlined in the Presidential Transition Act.

These essential services are designated for the president-elect and major candidates after nominating conventions, accompanied by stipulations on financial disclosure and a cap on transition-related donations set at $5,000 per person or organization.

Another significant agreement awaiting completion is an MOU between the current administration and Trump that aims to outline an ethics plan for transition team members, including protocols for information sharing on national security. This documentation was due by October 1.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that Chief of Staff Jeff Zients has connected with the co-chairs of the Trump-Vance transition team, Linda McMahon and Howard Lutnick. “We want to have an effective, efficient transition of power,” she stated, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to keeping communication channels open.

In a recent statement, Biden underscored the importance of a “peaceful and orderly transition,” a process he argues the American people deserve. The transition memoranda can be accessed online, providing transparency on the agreements filed in September by Vice President Kamala Harris, who was defeated by Trump in the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination.

Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin, a leading voice on the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, has urged Trump’s campaign to finalize the transition paperwork. Raskin remarked in an October letter that deviating from established norms threatens the integrity of the transition process, speculating that Trump’s hesitance may stem from a desire to avoid financial disclosure obligations.

“With fewer than three weeks remaining until the election, I encourage you to prioritize public interest over any personal or political motivations,” Raskin stated, reinforcing the urgency of completing the transition documentation.

Last updated 3:25 p.m., Nov. 11, 2024