### Trump's Transition Team Opts for Unorthodox Approach, Avoids Federal Coordination

Former President Donald Trump is leaning towards an unconventional solo strategy for his presidential transition planning, a move that could significantly hinder his ability to take over the federal government if he wins the upcoming election. The Trump transition team has yet to sign two crucial agreements with the federal government that would secure transition funding, planning assistance, and essential information-sharing protocols—a deviation from established modern practices.

Linda McMahon, former Small Business Administrator in the Trump administration, and GOP mega-donor Howard Lutnick, who serve as transition co-chairs, are independently managing the vetting of potential political appointees and the preparation of policy plans. Without federal assistance, they can raise unlimited funds without disclosing their donors and bypass federal oversight, which Trump and his advisors distrust. However, if this delay continues, it will restrict the team's ability to access critical information about current federal operations and challenges, potentially setting back their preparations.

Experts like Rich Bagger, former Chief of Staff to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and ex-executive director for Trump's 2016 pre-election transition, emphasize that bypassing federal transition coordinators adds significant complexity. "There's all this serious work that needs to take place," Bagger noted, pointing out that full integration into the transition structure expedites the process.

The Trump transition team insists they will be prepared if Trump wins, but some experts argue their efforts are already behind schedule. The Presidential Transition Act is designed to facilitate smooth transfers of power, offering guidelines and assistance from the General Services Administration. The GSA expects to finalize agreements with candidates' teams by September 1 for pre-election support and by October 1 for post-election access to agencies.

Vice President Kamala Harris' team has already met these deadlines, receiving pre- and post-election transition support. In contrast, the Trump transition team has missed both deadlines. A member of the Trump team mentioned a "spectrum" of legal options, including not signing the GSA agreements, and exploring potential consequences.

McMahon and Lutnick stated that discussions with the federal government are ongoing, and they remain focused on staffing the next administration and developing policy initiatives. Trump's transition lawyers are reportedly working constructively with their Biden-Harris counterparts to finalize the necessary agreements.

White House spokesperson Saloni Sharma confirmed an MOU with the Harris transition team and ongoing efforts to finalize one with the Trump team. GSA spokesperson Channing Grate assured that they are ready to provide services once the Trump transition team signs the MOU, including office space, equipment, communications, and IT services.

Choosing not to accept GSA help or funding allows the Trump transition team to collect unlimited private donations without disclosing donors. These funds can be used for salaries for transition staff, traditionally volunteers, and to avoid submitting an ethics pledge required by the Presidential Transition Act. Despite drafting their own ethics code, Trump's allies remain skeptical of the executive branch, citing distrust from previous experiences.

Ken Nahigian, who led the 2016 Trump transition post-election, argued the GSA's process is demanding and restrictive, advocating for independence from its support. Confidence remains high within the Trump camp regarding their ability to organize successfully, with Lutnick highlighting the roster of vetted talent ready to join the administration.

Despite this confidence, the 2016 transition exhibited the risks associated with not coordinating with the government. Initial delays in completing agreements led to slow hiring and a bare-bones operation for months. Experts now caution that further delays could cripple the next Trump administration before it even begins. Terry Sullivan, executive director of the White House Transition Project, warned that ongoing delays would result in "grotesque incapacities" and significant ignorance of crucial operational details.