to facilitate a smooth transition of power. This agreement, reached on November 26, allows Trump's transition team to coordinate with existing federal staff and access non-public information ahead of his inauguration on January 20.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
- Transition Team Deployment: Trump's teams will deploy throughout federal government agencies, meeting with career senior executive staff and receiving briefings on agency activities.
- Information Sharing: Transition team members can collaborate with federal agencies and access non-public information.
- Government Employee Communication: Government employees can communicate with the transition team, ensuring a smoother handover of responsibilities.
However, Trump has declined to sign an additional agreement with the General Services Administration (GSA), which would have provided his team with secure government office spaces and email accounts. The GSA agreement would have required Trump to limit donations to $5,000 and disclose his donors ¹.
Implications of the Agreement
Lawmakers and good government groups have been pressuring Trump to engage in official transition activities, warning of dire consequences if he fails to do so. The agreement marks a significant step forward in the transition process, but concerns remain about Trump's refusal to sign the GSA agreement and his decision to sidestep many steps embedded in transition law ¹ ².