Presidential transition planning is underway, but Trump and Harris lag behind

In a significant move, the Biden administration has provided federal resources to both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris for their presidential transition planning for the first time. This development took place on Tuesday, as experts noted that both candidates lag in their preparation for potential administration roles.

Typically, transition planning is most active after Election Day, as the president-elect must start the daunting task of selecting and vetting around 4,000 political appointees. However, success largely hinges on the groundwork established during the pre-election phase, which includes forming agency review teams and initiating background checks for national security roles.

Both Vice President Harris and former President Trump began their transition planning this month. They are starting much later than previous candidates in past election cycles. Harris was recently propelled to the top of the Democratic ticket after President Biden’s decision to not seek reelection five weeks ago. Before laying the foundation for her transition, she needed to redirect the operations established during Biden’s campaign.

It is unclear why Trump, who secured the Republican nomination months ago, delayed the start of his transition planning.

Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, stated that transition preparations typically commence in late spring. He acknowledged the challenges both candidates face given their late start.

Tuesday marked the congressionally mandated date for the General Services Administration (GSA) to make office space available for both Trump and Harris. This space is located just a few blocks from the White House, and additional federal resources will become available to the winner following Election Day. Despite this schedule, nominees usually begin initial planning efforts soon after securing their nominations, even before federal support is granted.

If Harris wins the presidency, she might consider retaining some appointees from the Biden administration. This strategy could help streamline confirmation processes, especially if Republicans take control of the Senate. However, significant changes are likely, as Harris will aim to put her personal mark on the administration. Many officials from the Biden administration are expected to pursue other opportunities regardless of the election outcome.

For Trump, there is a clear intention to avoid pitfalls encountered during his transition in 2016. At that time, planning overseen by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was set aside, leaving Trump and his largely inexperienced team unprepared for the challenges that followed Election Day.

Experts point out that the 2016 transition set a low standard for modern transitions, especially when compared to George H.W. Bush’s 1988 transition, which was notably smoother when he succeeded Ronald Reagan. Stier mentioned the special challenges present during transfers within the same political party, highlighting potential misunderstandings about continuity between administrations.

Earlier this month, Trump established his transition team, headed by former Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon and billionaire Howard Lutnick.

Meanwhile, Harris has appointed Yohannes Abraham, the ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and executive director of the Biden-Harris 2020 transition, to lead her planning efforts. Abraham will soon leave his current role to take on this new responsibility.

As part of her transition team, Harris will be supported by Covington & Burling, LLP, the firm that previously assisted her in vetting her vice presidential pick.

According to sources familiar with the planning, Harris’ team will refrain from making any personnel decisions or developing policy prior to the election. These responsibilities will remain with her campaign and official office.

On the other hand, Trump’s team has not yet committed to accepting federal support. Last week, Trump expressed to the Daily Mail concerns about participating in traditional pre-Election Day intelligence briefings due to fears of being accused of leaking sensitive information.

Trump’s senior adviser, Brian Hughes, stated they would evaluate the GSA’s offer before making decisions regarding the resources available.

Additionally, Trump has confirmed the inclusion of former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard and independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his transition team.

The GSA is required by law to provide federal office space, IT resources, and other support to transition teams starting after this date. The GSA ensures it enters into agreements with representatives of each nominee as mandated by Congress. A spokesperson from the GSA confirmed that the necessary offers were made to both candidates on Tuesday.

Both transition teams will need to establish a functional infrastructure, allowing them to engage with federal agencies, manage resumes, and organize the personnel and policy planning they will face if they emerge victorious in the election.

On the side of the Biden administration, preparations for a smooth transition have been in the works for several months in line with the Presidential Transition Act. A federal transition coordinating council led by Biden’s chief of staff, Jeff Zients, has been conducting regular meetings to facilitate the handover scheduled for January 20, 2025. Detailed briefing materials are being prepared for sharing with the eventual winner’s team, outlining government activities.

Federal agents from the FBI and intelligence community have also been mobilized to assist in vetting numerous potential appointees and transition staff members.

For transition teams to gain access to executive branch resources, they must agree to an ethics plan, disclose donors, and limit contributions to no more than $5,000 as a condition for receiving federal funds.

Source: Associated Press