Trump "Recommends Starting Transition for National Interest" (Update)

Federal General Services Administration Orders Transition Process to White House and Executive Branch
GSA Also Recognizes President-Elect
Full-Scale Power Transition Expected to Begin

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 13th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump finally recommended the start of the transition process to President-elect Joe Biden. The General Services Administration (GSA) immediately recognized Biden as the president-elect.

President Trump stated on Twitter that evening, "Emily Murphy, Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), her team, and my team have been advised to begin the initial work for the transition."

However, President Trump added, "I appreciate Administrator Murphy's unwavering dedication and loyalty to our country. She has been subjected to harassment, threats, and abuse. I do not want to see her, her family, or GSA employees go through such things," attributing the recommendation to external pressure.

President Trump also explained, "We will win, but nevertheless, we have made this decision for the good of the country."

Since Biden's election victory was confirmed on the 7th, President Trump had refused to concede and claimed victory through legal battles.

According to the Associated Press, the General Services Administration, which had not recognized Biden's victory, officially approved President-elect Biden's win on this day. As a result, Biden can now accelerate the transition process with federal government support.

With the GSA's recognition of the president-elect, Biden is expected to receive national security-related intelligence briefings as well.

Biden's transition team will also be able to utilize FBI background checks necessary for appointing government officials. The State Department will support calls between Biden and foreign leaders and will be able to deliver messages arriving from overseas.