From his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Donald Trump's unconventional transition team prepares for what an ally describes as a complete overhaul of the federal government.
According to The Washington Post, the president-elect has disregarded established transition protocols, eschewing collaboration with federal agencies and traditional security measures as he prepares to take control of 2.2 million federal employees.
Trump's team has yet to engage with the General Services Administration or submit required ethics pledges, marking a significant departure from historical transition practices. His decision to bypass conventional channels stems from deep-seated mistrust of federal agencies, which he believes undermined his first term through leaks and investigations.
The transition team has opted to forego FBI background checks for potential appointees, instead relying on private campaign lawyers for vetting. This unprecedented approach extends to foreign communications, where Trump conducts calls with world leaders without State Department involvement or official interpreters.
Mike Davis, president of the Article III Project, defended Trump's approach, stating:
The American people rendered their verdict by putting him back in the White House. He should not trust the politicized and weaponized intelligence and law enforcement agencies that hobbled his presidency the first time. It's a hostile takeover on behalf of the American people.
The transition team is considering issuing blanket security clearances on day one of the new administration, bypassing traditional vetting processes. This strategy has already faced challenges, as evidenced by unforeseen complications with some Cabinet nominees.
The GSA's role in providing office space, computer support, and other transition resources remains unfulfilled due to Trump's refusal to sign required memorandums of understanding. These documents would include ethics pledges from both transition staff and Trump himself regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Max Stier, president of the Partnership for Public Service, expressed concern about this approach:
The Trump team is attempting to convert the government into an instrument of his private agenda.
The decision to operate outside traditional channels has practical implications, including the inability to access secure federal email servers, participate in national security briefings, or receive formal briefings about ongoing operations.
Trump's approach to the transition reflects his broader vision for restructuring the federal government, including plans to relocate entire departments and replace career civil servants with political loyalists. His Cabinet selections, including Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary and former congressman Matt Gaetz for attorney general, signal his intent to challenge established institutional norms.
Congressional oversight remains uncertain, with Trump pushing for regular use of recess appointments to bypass Senate confirmation hearings. These developments raise questions about the balance of power and constitutional constraints on executive authority.
Donald Trump's transition operation from Mar-a-Lago represents a dramatic departure from traditional presidential changeovers, characterized by its rejection of federal agency involvement and established security protocols. The president-elect's team is proceeding with plans to restructure federal agencies and bypass conventional vetting processes, citing distrust of government institutions that investigated him during his first term.
The success of this unconventional approach remains to be tested as Trump's team navigates the complex task of assuming control of the federal government while operating outside established transition frameworks. The strategy faces scrutiny from both supporters and critics, with significant implications for national security, diplomatic relations, and the fundamental operation of federal agencies.
