By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has yet to sign key agreements with the Biden administration, delaying access to critical information and briefing materials. This delay is partially due to concerns about the mandatory ethics pledge, which requires all members of the transition team to avoid conflicts of interest. Trump’s business interests have repeatedly come under scrutiny for potential conflicts, and the team is working to resolve these concerns before signing the agreement. This delay raises concerns about national security preparedness, as Trump’s team is behind schedule in vetting and selecting candidates for top Cabinet positions. While the Trump team downplays the impact, experts warn that this delay could have serious consequences for the smooth transition of power and the ability to effectively govern on Day 1.
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It’s no surprise that Donald Trump, a man who has repeatedly shown disregard for rules and norms, hasn’t signed the ethics agreement required for a presidential transition. This is a man who has a history of flouting ethical standards, and there’s no reason to believe this time will be any different.
The lack of an ethics agreement is a serious issue, as it leaves a gaping hole in the process of ensuring a smooth and orderly transition of power. It’s not just a matter of “convention” either. The ethics agreement serves as a vital tool to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure transparency. Without it, the potential for corruption and abuse of power is significantly increased.
This isn’t just a theoretical concern, either. Trump has a long history of using his position for personal gain, and there’s no reason to believe he will change his ways. Remember his first term? He famously claimed to have divested his interests but refused to let anyone examine the documentation, relying on an “accountant” to vouch for his claims.
The fact that Trump might not sign the ethics agreement highlights a disturbing trend in American politics: the erosion of norms and the disregard for established rules. It’s a slippery slope that could have devastating consequences for our democracy.
But even if he does sign it, the real issue is whether he intends to follow it. He has demonstrated a willingness to flout the law on numerous occasions, and the ethics agreement is merely a piece of paper if there are no consequences for breaking it.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of this situation is the seeming acceptance of Trump’s behavior by some people. There seems to be a belief that he can operate outside the rules, that he’s above the law. This is a dangerous precedent to set, and it could lead to the further erosion of trust in our institutions.
It’s worth remembering that the Founding Fathers specifically designed the US system to prevent the rise of a tyrannical leader. They knew that power corrupts, and they built safeguards to protect against abuse. Trump seems determined to undermine those safeguards, and it’s our responsibility as citizens to hold him accountable. We cannot afford to be complacent in the face of this blatant disregard for the rule of law. The future of our democracy depends on it.