Harris transition agreement/ GSA transition plan/ presidential transition planning 2024/ Trump transition support/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Vice President Kamala Harris has secured an agreement with the General Services Administration (GSA) for pre-election transition support, preparing for a possible presidency. The GSA is ready to offer similar resources to Donald Trump’s team, though they have yet to finalize an agreement. Transition planning continues across federal agencies.
Harris Transition Agreement Quick Looks:
- Harris secures GSA support for potential presidential transition
- The agreement covers office space, IT, and ethics policies
- No confirmation from Trump’s team on reaching a similar deal
- Federal agencies are preparing briefing materials for the incoming administration
- Transition planning includes vetting staff for future roles
Harris Finalizes Transition Plan with Biden Admin, Trump Yet to Confirm
Deep Look:
Vice President Kamala Harris has reached an important milestone in her preparation for a potential presidency, securing an agreement with the General Services Administration (GSA) to receive pre-election support from the federal government. This agreement allows Harris’ transition team to access critical resources, including office space, technology infrastructure, and ethics guidance, all of which are essential for a smooth transition should she win the 2024 election.
The GSA is legally required to offer transition resources to major party nominees in advance of the inauguration of a new president, set for January 20, 2025. On Monday, the agency made the signed memorandum public, showing that Harris’ team agreed to the terms on September 19. This agreement governs several aspects of the transition, such as IT services, record-keeping, and adherence to ethical standards.
As for Donald Trump, the Republican nominee and former president, his team has yet to finalize a similar agreement with the GSA. However, the agency has indicated its readiness to provide the same support once an agreement is signed. In a statement, Trump campaign senior advisor Brian Hughes said, “The Trump-Vance Transition continues to evaluate and communicate with GSA about the options related to the support offered by GSA.”
Federal Transition Planning in Full Swing
Although Harris is the first to secure pre-election support from the GSA, transition planning is well underway across federal agencies. Last week, White House Chief of Staff Jeffrey Zients hosted the first 2024 meeting of the White House Transition Coordinating Committee, which brought together representatives from both Harris and Trump’s teams for the first time this year. This group, responsible for overseeing the federal transition process, has begun coordinating detailed plans to ensure the handover of government functions proceeds smoothly, regardless of the election’s outcome.
Federal agencies are also preparing comprehensive briefing memos on their activities, which will be shared with the transition teams of whichever candidate wins the election. These documents are designed to provide the incoming administration with a clear understanding of ongoing initiatives, policies, and challenges across the government.
Preparing for a New Administration
Part of the transition process involves vetting hundreds of potential staff members and administration appointees. Teams from agencies like the FBI and the intelligence community, some of whom have come out of retirement, are already preparing to conduct background checks and security clearances for those likely to serve in the next administration.
The Presidential Transition Act mandates that major party nominees must reach a memorandum of understanding with the GSA before gaining access to these vital federal planning resources. The act also requires the transition teams to implement an ethics plan and publicly disclose donors who contribute to the transition effort, capping donations at $5,000 as a condition for receiving government funds.
Looking Ahead
With Election Day quickly approaching, the planning process remains a critical step in ensuring the continuity of government. Harris has secured the necessary support from the GSA, positioning her team for an organized transition if she wins. Trump’s team, while still in talks, will likely finalize their agreement soon to gain access to similar federal support. Regardless of the election outcome, both teams are preparing for a possible handover as President Joe Biden’s term comes to a close.
