Shortly after the certification of the presidential election results in Michigan, GSA Administrator Emily Murphy wrote to the Biden team authorizing the beginning of the transition period. President Trump has not yet conceded the election.
Summary
The leader of the federal government’s General Services Administration (GSA) signaled the first official steps for the transition to the incoming Biden administration can be taken in a letter to “apparent President-elect” Joe Biden on Monday.
- According to the letter, GSA Administrator Emily Murphy, who was targeted for harassment by the political group The Lincoln Project and subject to denigrating coverage, began the process independent of any potential pressure from other forces in the executive branch.
- The Biden transition team acknowledged the letter, saying it was a necessary step to the transition and addressing “the challenges facing our nation.”
- In a series of tweets, President Trump acknowledged Murphy’s letter and thanked her for her “steadfast dedication” to the United States. He also characterized the development as one he approved, despite Murphy’s insistence of independent decision.
- The BBC notes the number of Republican politicians coming to the public conclusion that the transition to the Biden presidency, as well as the conclusion of litigation surrounding the 2020 presidential election, must soon commence.
- The public decision from GSA came just hours after Michigan certified its election results.
- Last week, Democrat members of the House of Representatives demanded information from Administrator Murphy on why the transition process had not yet officially been greenlit.
- CNN reported that Biden officials had not been waiting for formal approval from the GSA, and had begun the putting pieces of the incoming administration in place.
- Vox characterized the timeline of Murphy’s decision as one that broke the norm of GSA heads “[making] their judgements based on media projections.”
- Huffington Post reported on comments from Dr. Anthony Fauci who expressed concern about the delay in transition’s effect on the ability to continuously combat the coronavirus.
- Fox News’ coverage emphasized the President’s response, saying he “downplays” it as the legal battle over election results continue.
- Similarly, National Review noted the President has not officially conceded and Trump administration officials have been reluctant to work with transition counterparts.
- According to Breitbart’s characterization of the story, it was President Trump who gave the blessing to open up the first steps of a transition.
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© Dallas Gerber, 2020
