William Freeman 2nd Vice Chair | DeKalb County Republican Party
William Freeman 2nd Vice Chair | DeKalb County Republican Party
President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has reached an agreement with the Biden administration to initiate the formal transfer of power. This transition, however, will be conducted differently from previous ones. Trump's team has decided not to use federal funding or resources from the General Services Administration (GSA), opting instead for a privately funded operation that will not utilize government technology or office space.
This decision reflects Trump's commitment to saving taxpayer money and avoiding bureaucratic interference. The memorandum of understanding signed with the Biden administration allows Trump’s team access to non-public government information, briefings, and deployment of personnel to federal agencies.
Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming Chief of Staff, stated: “After completing the selection process of his incoming Cabinet, President-elect Trump is entering the next phase of his administration’s transition by executing a Memorandum of Understanding with President Joe Biden’s White House.”
The press release outlined several key points about the transition:
- The transition will not use taxpayer funding for its costs.
- It will operate as a self-sufficient organization without using GSA-provided buildings or technology.
- Existing security measures are in place, eliminating the need for additional oversight.
- An Ethics Plan compliant with legal requirements will be available on the GSA website.
- Transition landing teams will integrate into federal agencies with access to documents and policy sharing.
- Donors to the privately funded transition will be disclosed publicly.
Hans Mahncke commented on social media that "Trump says that his transition team will not use government resources because they want to save money. However, this is merely a smokescreen."
Critics suggest this move aims to avoid past issues experienced during Trump's previous transition period. Allegations include targeting Gen. Michael Flynn and events leading up to investigations into Russian collusion.
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