The transition period between Election Day and Inauguration Day, which lasts 77 days, is crucial for the president-elect to prepare their administration to take over from the outgoing president. In the past, this period has been marked by tradition and bipartisanship, but in recent years, it has become a point of contention. In 2020, former President Donald Trump delayed the transition process by disputing his loss and making baseless claims of voter fraud. This year, a new law mandates that the transition process must begin five days after the election, regardless of whether either candidate concedes, in order to avoid delays and ensure a smooth handoff of power.
The General Services Administration (GSA) plays a key role in the transition process by providing funding and cooperation to the incoming administration. In 2020, GSA head Emily Murphy delayed recognizing President-elect Joe Biden as the winner until Trump’s legal challenges had collapsed. The new law enacted in 2022 eliminates the need for GSA to affirm a president-elect before providing transition support services. This means that both major party candidates will receive federal support and cooperation to begin the transition process, with the support continuing until any significant legal challenges are resolved or the Electoral College meets in December to formalize the winner.
The potential for dueling transition efforts between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump could extend until mid-December, just a month before Inauguration Day. While this poses a risk, experts believe it is preferable to having no transition support at all, as seen in the contested 2000 election that led to national security lapses. Despite Trump’s continued false claims of victory in 2020 and his insistence on fair results for the upcoming election, both sides are preparing for the transition process. Harris has already reached agreements with the Biden administration for office space and resources, while Trump’s team has not signed any transition agreements.
The transition process involves filling approximately 4,000 government positions with political appointees, starting with key Cabinet departments. While Harris will likely build her own government, she may retain some holdovers from the Biden administration. Trump, on the other hand, may bring in a new team as he did in 2017. The agreements to prepare for the transition are just the beginning of a comprehensive process that requires a deep understanding of government operations and a willingness to follow established protocols. Both sides are expected to be ready for a proper transition, regardless of the outcome of the election.
Ultimately, the transition period serves as a critical time for the incoming administration to prepare to take over the responsibilities of governing the country. The new law governing the transition process aims to ensure that both major party candidates receive federal support and cooperation, leading to a smoother transfer of power. Despite potential challenges and risks, experts believe that the updated rules will help avoid the delays and controversies that marked previous transition periods. As the country prepares for the 2024 election, the focus remains on a peaceful and effective transfer of power between administrations, regardless of the outcome.
