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Trump's Presidency Transition Bucks Prior Ethics Norms, Skips Donor Disclosure and Vetting for Picks

Published November 28, 2024
2 months ago

In a groundbreaking move that diverges sharply from established ethical norms, United States President-elect Donald Trump's administration has finalized a transition memorandum with outgoing President Joe Biden’s office that conspicuously avoids standard ethical protocols regarding donor transparency and background checks for government nominees.





The memorandum was signed to facilitate the orderly transfer of power and to ensure Trump's team is well-prepared for their roles come inauguration on January 20. According to Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming chief of staff, this memorandum enables "critical preparations" including liaising with every department and agency for a smooth transfer. "It ensures we do not arrive unprepared," she highlighted.


However, this transition differs notably as it bypasses two typical agreements - with the Department of Justice and the General Services Administration (GSA). These agreements are crucial for authorizing background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and for controlling the financial transparency of the transition. The Presidential Transition Act requires disclosures for donations to transition funds, capping contributions at $5,000, and obligates that all donors be named. However, Trump has elected not to adhere to these stipulations.


By steering clear of the GSA agreement, Trump will not access the $7.2m traditionally set aside for presidential transitions. Instead, his team will rely on personal funds and presumably private donations, the details of which they are not obligated to disclose due to the lack of a signed agreement.


Furthermore, Tuesday's memorandum does not require Trump's nominees for high-level positions to undergo the standard background checks, raising concerns about the security and suitability of appointments. Typically, the FBI would clear candidates to ensure they hold no conflicts of interest or security risks.


Susie Wiles rationalized this decision by arguing that it represents a push towards "organizational autonomy" and reduces reliance on 'taxpayer funding' and governmental oversight, suggesting that the Trump team has sufficient security measures in place independently.


Despite the autonomy claimed by Trump’s team, this unprecedented approach to presidential transition has sparked concerns and criticisms. The White House has expressed discontent with the omission of customary protocols that ensure transparency and security. Saloni Sharma, a spokesperson for the Biden administration, emphasized that while they do not condone this unusual method of transition, they will cooperate to avoid further delays. “A smooth transition is essential for the safety and security of the American public," Sharma stated.


This transition tactic by Trump not only highlights his administration's continual push against traditional political boundaries but also underscores a significant shift towards less governmental oversight and public disclosure in the process of power transfer in U.S. politics.


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