Donald Trump’s Transition Raises Transparency and Governance Concerns
Donald Trump’s transition back to the White House is making headlines, not just for the people he’s appointing to his Cabinet but for the troubling lack of transparency and cooperation with the Biden administration. These actions raise serious concerns about ethics, governance, and the potential for special interests to hold undue influence over the incoming administration.
Refusal to Sign Cooperation Agreements
In a departure from precedent, Trump’s transition team has reportedly refused to sign memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the outgoing Biden-Harris administration. These agreements, used by all prior presidents-elect, are essential for a smooth transfer of power. They allow background checks for Cabinet nominees and ensure national security clearances so incoming officials can receive classified briefings. Without these agreements, the Trump team risks hampering its own ability to govern effectively while creating unnecessary hurdles in ensuring a seamless transition.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has called out this refusal in a letter to the General Services Administration (GSA), labeling it an unprecedented move that jeopardizes public safety and governance. Her concerns are valid: the lack of MOUs undermines critical processes and signals an unwillingness to engage in the transparency and accountability necessary for a functioning democracy.
Ethics and Financial Conflicts of Interest
Another major red flag is the Trump transition team’s failure to publish a full ethics code addressing conflicts of interest. This omission directly violates a law Trump himself enacted in 2020, which mandates that transition teams disclose their ethics codes on the GSA website.
While the Trump team has posted a limited ethics code, it omits any mention of how Trump plans to manage his extensive financial holdings and conflicts of interest. Warren’s letter warns that this could allow the administration to prioritize the interests of wealthy donors and corporate backers over the public good. Transparency here is crucial, as Trump’s vast business dealings have historically raised questions about where his loyalties lie.
Special Interests and Donor Influence
Adding to the opacity, the Trump team’s refusal to sign an agreement with the GSA has enabled it to keep donor names secret. Normally, transition teams are required to disclose their donors and abide by individual contribution limits of $5,000. By sidestepping these rules, Trump’s team avoids transparency while raising concerns about how special interests may influence the incoming administration’s agenda.
Ironically, this lack of compliance also means forfeiting access to $7.2 million in federal funds allocated for the transition—a move that suggests Trump’s team may be relying heavily on private contributions. The New York Times has reported that this approach could allow special interest groups to fund the transition while shielding their identities from public scrutiny.
Commentary: Why This Matters
The transition of power is a critical moment for any democracy, requiring cooperation, transparency, and adherence to ethical standards. Trump’s refusal to sign MOUs, publish a comprehensive ethics code, and disclose donor information undermines the very principles of accountability and public trust.
For progressives, this situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against corruption and special interest influence in politics. It’s not just about Trump—it’s about ensuring that future administrations, regardless of party, cannot sidestep the rules that safeguard democracy.
Moreover, the American people deserve better. When leaders refuse to adhere to basic standards of governance, it erodes public confidence and further entrenches cynicism about the political process. Transparency, ethics, and accountability aren’t partisan issues—they are the foundation of good governance.
As we navigate this transition, it’s essential to demand adherence to these standards, not just from Trump’s team but from all future administrations. Our democracy depends on it.
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Steve Holder 