After a significant delay, the Trump transition team has officially signed a crucial agreement with the Biden White House, allowing for the smooth transfer of power ahead of the inauguration. This memorandum of understanding (MOU) marks a critical step in the transition process, enabling the incoming administration to begin preparations for assuming office.
Key Agreement Signed to Ease Transition Preparations
The MOU, signed on Tuesday, permits members of the Trump transition team to initiate essential steps, including deploying landing teams to various government departments and agencies. These teams will begin coordinating with federal employees to ensure that the incoming administration can quickly establish its leadership once Trump takes office.
Susie Wiles, chief of staff for President-elect Donald Trump, emphasized that the engagement “allows our intended cabinet nominees to begin critical preparations” and ensures the orderly transition of power. The transition team noted that while the agreement was expected to have been signed by October 1st, it was delayed, but this step is now seen as essential for ensuring a seamless handover of governmental responsibilities.
GSA Agreement and Ethics Concerns
Alongside the MOU with the White House, the Trump team was also expected to sign a second MOU with the General Services Administration (GSA) by the same deadline. The GSA agreement would have provided the transition team with necessary resources, such as office space, technology, and funding, as part of the Presidential Transition Act. However, the Trump transition team has decided not to move forward with the GSA agreement, opting instead to rely on an existing ethics plan for the team, which they plan to post on the GSA website.
In a statement, the transition team stressed that they already have “existing security and information protections,” meaning they would not require additional government oversight. The Trump team also pledged to publicly disclose all donors to the transition effort, a move aimed at addressing potential conflicts of interest.
However, this decision has raised concerns, particularly among Democrats like Senator Elizabeth Warren. Warren expressed that the transition’s approach might not fully align with legal requirements, pointing out “serious gaps” between the Trump team’s ethics plan and the letter of the law.
Safeguards in Place for Information Sharing
Now that the MOU with the White House has been signed, authorized members of the Trump transition team are permitted access to essential agency and White House employees, facilities, and information. The agreement includes important safeguards to protect sensitive and non-public information, as well as measures to prevent conflicts of interest. The White House has underscored that these safeguards are crucial for ensuring that the transition process is conducted transparently and securely.
Pending Agreements for Security Clearances
While significant progress has been made, one key aspect of the transition is still pending: a third agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to facilitate FBI background checks and security clearances for the new administration’s nominees. These background checks are an essential part of the confirmation process and are typically required by the Senate. An ethics agreement with the Office of Government Ethics, along with responses to detailed questionnaires, is also necessary to proceed with the nominations.
While the delay in signing the agreements has raised concerns, the Trump transition team is moving forward with the goal of preparing the incoming administration for its early days in office. The process remains a priority for both the Trump and Biden teams, despite the challenges and ongoing scrutiny over the transition’s ethics and funding mechanisms.
