What's happened
As the 2024 election approaches, the Trump transition team's refusal to sign federal agreements raises concerns about a smooth transition. This contrasts with Vice President Kamala Harris's team, which has completed necessary agreements. Experts warn that delays could hinder national security and governance.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Politico, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen expressed concern over the 2020 transition, stating that the new law aims to prevent similar issues. Michael Thorning from the Bipartisan Policy Center noted that the updated law allows both candidates to prepare for administration despite disputes. In contrast, Axios highlights the Trump team's unorthodox approach, with Rep. Jamie Raskin criticizing their refusal to accept federal resources, which he claims undermines democratic traditions. Valerie Smith Boyd emphasized the importance of a smooth transition for effective governance, warning that confusion could hinder the new administration's ability to function effectively.
How we got here
The 2020 election transition raised alarms about the potential for disputes and delays. In response, new legislation was drafted to ensure smoother transitions in future elections. However, the Trump team's current actions reflect ongoing distrust of the Biden administration.
More on these topics
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Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The General Services Administration is an independent agency of the United States government established in 1949 to help manage and support the basic functioning of federal agencies.