Donald Trump secured victory in the election three weeks ago, yet his campaign has yet to complete the necessary forms to officially start the power transition from President Joe Biden’s administration, as stated by the White House.

This lack of action means that the government cannot provide Trump’s incoming team with essential security clearances, briefing sessions, and resources prior to the president-elect’s inauguration on January 20, as mandated by the Presidential Transition Act.

“Our teams are still in communication,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre remarked during a recent press conference. “As of now, the Trump-Vance transition team hasn’t finalized the agreements with the White House and the General Service Administration.”

One of the requirements for these agreements and the accompanying funding—totaling $7.2 million in federal funds—is that any nominees must reveal all amounts raised for the transition, which is distinct from campaign funds. Donations to transition funds are capped at $5,000 per individual.

However, by not completing the necessary paperwork—which also involves an ethics memo—Trump’s transition team may legally accept unlimited donations from contributors, including those from foreign entities, without having to disclose their identities or the amounts given, as reported by the New York Times.

What does the Presidential Transition Act entail?

Enacted in 1963, the Presidential Transition Act serves as a guideline to assist in the smooth transition between presidential administrations. It obligates the current administration to devise inter-agency transition plans and to offer essential resources and aid to the incoming president.

The support provided includes establishing security measures and allocating designated funds from the GSA for transition-related expenses, which cover office space, supplies, employee salaries, and travel costs—often reaching into the millions of dollars.

Is Trump obligated to adhere to transition procedures?

Concerns have been raised by experts that Trump’s delay in transition actions could negatively affect the new administration’s readiness regarding national security due to postponed essential briefings, as reported by CNN.

A spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, Brian Hughes, informed YSL News that the president-elect’s legal representatives “are actively engaging in discussions with the Biden-Harris administration’s lawyers concerning all agreements related to the Presidential Transition Act.”