‘Do what needs to be done’: Trump clears the way for Biden's transition
President Donald Trump walks to the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Nov. 13, 2020. (Anna Moneymaker © 2020 The New York Times Company)
Joe Biden's administration can formally begin its transition to power after President Trump, who has still hasn't conceded the White House race, tweeted he was "recommending" the GSA and others in his administration begin "initial protocols" to kick-start the formal transfer of presidential power.
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Trump said he directed Murphy and his administration to “follow the protocols,” which will open up federal funds for use by Biden’s transition team and allow him to receive daily intelligence briefings.
While Trump acknowledged an impending transition to Biden, he has yet to concede and is still pursuing legal action in multiple states.
Trump has spent the last three weeks since the November 3 election claiming without any evidence that Biden's convincing victory was the result of fraud.
Murphy, who denies acting under political pressure, has refused until now to release the standard package of aid that her agency manages to Biden's incoming team.
Biden's team welcomed the decision, saying in a statement it will provide the incoming administration "with the resources and support necessary to carry out a smooth and peaceful transfer of power."
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"Today's decision is a needed step to begin tackling the challenges facing our nation, including getting the pandemic under control and our economy back on track. This final decision is a definitive administrative action to formally begin the transition process with federal agencies."
The decision frees up millions of dollars in financing to support the transition, as well as formally allows Biden to coordinate with current government officials.
Murphy, who had faced harsh criticism over her previous refusal to act, said in her letter to Biden obtained by various US news outlets that "contrary to media reports and insinuations, my decision was not made out of fear or favouritism."
The step by her GSA is usually a routine one following a US presidential election, but Trump's continuing efforts to overturn the results of the vote and refusal to concede have complicated the process.
(With inputs from agencies)