The Biden administration has formally begun planning for a potential presidential transition in order to ensure continuity of government regardless of the outcome of the November general election. Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, has directed all executive departments and agencies to name a point person for transition planning by May 3, as mandated by law. This marks the routine first step in preparedness for presidential transitions, with White House chief of staff Jeff Zients set to lead the first meeting of the White House Transition Coordinating Council next week.
The Presidential Transition Act provides federal support for major party candidates to prepare to govern effectively from their first day in office. The act was strengthened after the Sept. 11 attacks to ensure that presidential candidates are ready to take charge of the federal government. Young’s letter to executive departments mirrors the one sent by the Trump administration four years ago, which set out an orderly transition process that was eventually derailed when then-President Donald Trump refused to concede. It wasn’t until two weeks after the election results were announced that Trump’s General Services Administration finally named Joe Biden as the “apparent winner” of the 2020 race, delaying the transition process.
According to the law, presidential candidates and the General Services Administration must reach a memorandum of understanding by September 1, governing everything from federal office space provision to access to sensitive documents. Transition teams are already vetting candidates for future administration roles and initiating the security clearance process for likely appointees who need to be ready to assume their posts on Inauguration Day. The initial steps towards a smooth transition are being taken to ensure that the government can continue to function efficiently regardless of the election outcome.
In February, President Biden launched a separate task force aimed at addressing issues related to mishandling classified information during presidential transitions. This was in response to a sharply critical report from a Justice Department special counsel, which found that Biden and his aides had mishandled classified information when he left the vice presidency in 2016. The task force is working towards resolving systemic problems related to the handling of classified information during transitions, in order to prevent similar issues in the future.
The formal planning for a potential presidential transition by the Biden administration is a critical step in ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of government operations. By adhering to the requirements set forth by the Presidential Transition Act, the administration is taking proactive measures to prepare for a smooth transfer of power, regardless of the election outcome. The initiation of transition planning and the establishment of key coordination councils demonstrate a commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that governance remains stable and efficient during periods of transition. As the process unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring that all necessary preparations are made to facilitate a seamless transfer of responsibilities and maintain the integrity of the governmental functions.
