Trump and Vance's transition team have not yet signed the necessary documents to officially begin the transition, the White House said.
“Our teams remain in contact,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Thursday, adding, “At this time…the Trump-Vance transition team has not yet reached an agreement with the White House or the General Secretariat.” “I'm not,” he said. GSA). ”
Not signing the document means the government cannot provide security clearances or briefings to incoming administration officials, and the FBI cannot review Mr. Trump's nominations to Cabinet or other key positions. The agreement also provides for “office space, IT equipment, office supplies, vehicles, postal administration, compensation and other expense payments,” according to GSA.
Jean-Pierre said: “President Biden will meet with the president-elect to clarify the transition of power and provide all necessary support to ensure that it occurs peacefully and in a clearly efficient manner. I have made it clear that I will do so.”
President-elect Trump announces Pam Bondi as new U.S. attorney general
President Joe Biden met with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on November 13. (AP/Evan Vucci)
“Therefore, we intended to continue working with the Trump transition team to ensure an efficient and effective transition of power,” she added. “And in those conversations, we certainly said that the White House and the administration stand ready to provide assistance, and that the services and information that is certainly outlined in the memorandum of understanding between GSA and the White House.” So these conversations are continuing. And we want this to go smoothly, and that's what we're trying to accomplish.”
Continued delays in reaching an agreement to formally begin the transition process could ultimately force senators to vote on Trump's cabinet appointments without undergoing standard background checks, AP said. The news agency reported.
Republican senators submit bill to abolish Department of Education following Trump campaign promise
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre spoke during a regular White House briefing on Thursday, November 21, stating that Trump and Vance's transition team have not yet signed the documents that will allow them to officially begin the transition. He said he had not. (AP/Ben Curtis)
This process is designed to uncover personal issues, criminal history, and other potential red flags that may raise questions about a candidate's suitability for the principal job.
It is unclear why the document has not yet been signed.
President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. (AP/Evan Vucci)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Transition spokesman Brian Hughes said earlier this month that the team's lawyers “continue to engage constructively” with lawyers and officials from President Joe Biden's outgoing administration, adding that “decisions are still being made.” He promised to update the latest information as soon as a decision is made.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
