Harris and Trump Transition Planning Meeting

Transition planning is a critical process that occurs ahead of presidential elections, ensuring a smooth handover of power. The GSA is mandated by law to provide resources such as office space and technology support to major party nominees. Harris’ team signed a memorandum on September 19, outlining governance on IT, record-keeping, and ethics. Although Trump’s team has not yet secured an agreement, the GSA has indicated its readiness to assist them once a memorandum is executed. The federal government is actively preparing for the January 20, 2025 transition, with agencies compiling detailed briefing memos and federal agents ready to vet potential appointees. Notably, a recent meeting of the White House Transition Coordinating Committee included representatives from both Harris and Trump, marking a significant step in the transition planning process.

Key Points of Transition Planning

• Legal Obligations: The Presidential Transition Act mandates that nominees must establish a memorandum of understanding with the GSA to access federal resources.

• Ethics and Funding: Transition teams are required to adhere to an ethics plan, disclose donors, and limit contributions to $5,000 to qualify for government funding.

• Federal Readiness: The transition involves extensive preparation across federal agencies, including the vetting of potential staff and administration appointees by teams from the FBI and intelligence community.

• Current Status: While Harris’ transition team has made significant progress, the status of Trump’s team remains uncertain, with ongoing evaluations and communications with the GSA.