It’s been two weeks since Donald Trump won the presidential election, but there’s a big holdup: he still hasn’t signed the documents needed to officially start the transition process. This delay is creating some challenges for the government as it prepares to hand over the reins.
Typically, these documents—called memorandums of understanding—are signed well before Election Day. They’re important because they allow the incoming president’s team to access security briefings, resources, and government services. Without Trump’s signature, none of that can happen yet.
“We’re staying in touch,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a briefing. She explained that Trump’s team hasn’t agreed to these documents, which include an ethics pledge to avoid conflicts of interest.
Despite the paperwork delay, Trump and his incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles recently met with President Biden and his Chief of Staff Jeff Zients at the White House. Since then, Biden’s team has been trying to keep the lines of communication open. “We’re ready to help and make sure the transition goes smoothly,” Jean-Pierre assured.
On Trump’s side, his spokesman Brian Hughes said the lawyers are still discussing the agreements with Biden’s team. But there’s no word yet on when—or if—Trump plans to sign.
One possible reason for the delay? CNN reported that Trump isn’t thrilled about the ethics pledge, which is meant to prevent conflicts of interest for White House staff.
Democratic leaders are raising concerns. Rep. Jamie Raskin pointed out that Trump is breaking with tradition by not committing to a smooth transition, as outlined in a law passed in 2010. Meanwhile, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who helped write that law, has gone further, accusing Trump of breaking the rules.
Even without the formal agreements in place, Trump is wasting no time building his team. However, some eyebrows are being raised because his Cabinet nominees aren’t going through the usual FBI background checks.
One of those nominees, Matt Gaetz, who was Trump’s pick for attorney general, withdrew from consideration this week. Gaetz, a former congressman from Florida, is currently under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations of sexual misconduct.
While it’s unclear how this delay will play out, the Biden team says they’re ready to assist whenever Trump’s team is ready to move forward. In the meantime, the drama around the transition continues to make headlines.
