Key Takeaways:
– President-Elect Donald Trump is not adhering to federal laws regarding presidential transitions, impacting his own incoming administration.
– The law, part of a 2019 amendment to the Presidential Transition Act, requires a pledge to avoid ethical conflicts of interest, which Trump has yet to submit.
– Trump’s noncompliance prevents his transition team from accessing the 438 different federal agencies until it is resolved.
– Trump’s ethical conflicts of interest are extensive, with around 3,400 identified by the Center for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
– Trump’s transition team is yet to sign an agreement with the General Services Administration which provides funds for the transition.
Ignoring the Presidential Transition Act Laws
President-Elect Donald Trump is stalling the smooth transition of his incoming administration by not adhering to certain laws. In particular, he is neglecting a federal law related to presidential transitions. His failure to follow this law is not just an act of noncompliance. It’s hindering the progress of his own incoming team.
The stumbling block regards ethical conflicts of interest. Trump has not submitted a legally required pledge to keep clear of these issues. Until he does, his transition team cannot access the many federal agencies. They number an impressive 438 in total. Plus, due to Trump’s noncompliance, neither he nor his team can acquire the necessary security clearances. These clearances are needed for national security briefings and access to classified national intelligence, issued by the Biden administration.
This legal requirement forms part of a 2019 amendment added to the Presidential Transition Act. This Act details the complex process that an outgoing administration follows to help the new president transition into power. The amendment got added due mainly to the worries about ethical conflicts during Trump’s first term in office.
Ethical Conflicts of Interest
Trump’s record on conflicts of interest is concerning. The Center for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) revealed around 3,400 conflicts from Trump’s first term. These instances include the hosting of foreign government members at his personal assets like the Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC.
A report by the House Oversight Committee from January 2024 offers another telling example. Their findings showed Trump’s businesses raking in roughly $8 million from foreign governments while he was in office. This act can be viewed as a violation of the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, forbidding federal officers from accepting gifts from foreign governments without Congress’ prior permission.
Bottlenecks in the Transition Process
Trump’s team is adding to the growing list of unfulfilled commitments by not meeting the September 1 deadline to sign an agreement with the General Services Administration. This agreement releases $7.2 million for the transition. Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris aligned with this agreement on time, which includes a public declaration of all transition effort donors and caps donations at $5,000 each.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the Biden administration has approached Trump’s transition team, who disclosed that they plan to submit the legally required paperwork. However, the team has not announced when this will happen. Trump’s transition team co-chairs Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon released a vague statement that all transition staff have signed a robust ethics pledge as a requirement of their participation. Yet, no specific details were shared.
Despite the current situation, America remains hopeful that its leaders will act in the nation’s best interest. After all, smooth leadership shifts are crucial for the country’s wellbeing and security. Failure to adhere to the established transition processes may mean not being fully prepared to govern on Day 1, leaving the nation vulnerable in an already critical moment.