The Tumultuous Road to Presidential Transition

The transition between the president-elect and President Joe Biden is set for significant changes. Enacted laws aim to start earlier transition support, but both Harris and Trump may set up competing administrations if neither concedes the election, potentially extending pre-inauguration preparations until mid-December.

With just 77 days from Election Day to inauguration, the presidential transition period between the president-elect and President Joe Biden gears up amid legal changes. Efforts to smooth transitions have become contentious, fueled by past disputes and new legislation aimed at accelerating the onset of transition activities.

The 2020 transition was delayed due to then-President Trump's unsubstantiated voter fraud claims. A new law now requires support for both major candidates to start the transition process soon after Election Day, ensuring preparations aren't hindered by legal challenges or concessions. This could lead to both Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump assembling parallel governments-in-waiting.

Notably, the Presidential Transition Improvement Act mandates transition readiness in less than a week post-election, fundamentally altering the rules. Experts highlight the risks and benefits, ensuring both candidates receive necessary support, with potential administrative overlaps possibly extending into mid-December before inauguration.

(With inputs from agencies.)