WASHINGTON, D.C. — President-elect Donald Trump’s delay in signing critical ethics and transparency agreements is causing friction between his transition team and federal agencies. The impasse has prevented formal communication and coordination, leaving his incoming administration without essential resources as it prepares to take power in January.
The Trump team has yet to sign the three memorandums of understanding (MOUs) required to facilitate secure access to federal offices, data, and background checks. The agreements, standard for presidential transitions, ensure ethical compliance and transparency in dealings with the federal government.
HHS Stalemate and Broader Consequences
The Health and Human Services Department (HHS), which Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is slated to lead, confirmed that Kennedy’s advisers have been unable to communicate with the agency. Without signed agreements, Trump’s team also lacks access to classified briefings on critical national security and public health issues, including threats like avian flu and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine.
The delays have raised concerns among ethics watchdogs and members of Congress. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, warned that Cabinet nominees may face confirmation hurdles without FBI background checks, pointing to revelations about Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth and Matt Gaetz, who recently withdrew from consideration for attorney general.
Unprecedented Transition Approach
Historically, transition teams sign MOUs shortly after elections to ensure seamless governance. The Biden-Harris team and even Trump’s 2016 transition signed these agreements promptly. However, Trump’s team this cycle has opted for an unconventional approach, relying on private funds and bypassing federal assistance.
“Not signing these agreements is a great way to tell working-class voters: ‘Thank you very much. Now eff you,’” said Richard Painter, a former ethics lawyer in the George W. Bush administration.
The lack of MOUs is also sparking cybersecurity fears amid heightened hacking activity. Trump’s team risks exposing sensitive communications as they bypass federal safeguards.
Political and Public Backlash
The delay has drawn bipartisan criticism. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) emphasized the importance of FBI vetting for nominees, and Senate Democrats have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency.
Transition experts warn that stalling coordination could undermine national security and public trust. Heath Brown, a public policy professor at CUNY, noted that delays in Biden’s 2020 transition left officials underprepared for intelligence briefings, lessons that remain relevant today.
Despite these concerns, Trump’s spokesperson stated that discussions with the Biden administration on the agreements are ongoing, though no timeline was provided for resolution.
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