The first hurdle has been cleared when it comes to a transition of power in the United States.
The General Services Administration has informed President-Elect Joe Biden and his team that the outgoing Donald Trump administration is ready to begin the formal process.
Administrator Emily Murphy, in her letter, says she hadn’t been pressured by the White House to delay the formal transition and did not make a decision out of fear or favouritism.
“Please know that I came to my decision independently, based on the law and available facts,” writes Murphy. “I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official – including those who work at the White House or GSA – with regard to the substance or timing of my decision. To be clear, I did not receive any direction to delay my determination.”
The move comes after Michigan certified its election results and Georgia certified its results last week.
President Donald Trump, in tweets below, accepts the decision even as he vows to continue legal fights.
…fight, and I believe we will prevail! Nevertheless, in the best interest of our Country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 23, 2020
The letter means current administration agency officials can coordinate with the incoming Biden team, and provide millions in government funding for the transition.
