Harris and Trump’s Transition Teams A Study in Contrasts

Harris and Trump’s transition teams: The Trump transition team is reportedly more organized than in 2016, striving to avoid chaos that marked the 2017 White House. Sources indicate that the team is focused on improving efficiency and communication throughout the transition process. Meanwhile, Harris’s team is collaborating with federal offices, establishing its presence and infrastructure using taxpayer funds. Led by Yohannes Abraham, this team has a $5,000 cap on individual private contributions to maintain transparency.

Trump’s Distance from Government Funding

In stark contrast, Trump has distanced himself from any government financing or office allocations. This is driven by a deep mistrust of career civil servants and the Biden administration. His approach allows him to accept unlimited private donations. Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, oversees personnel, while Linda McMahon manages policy initiatives.

Trump Transition: Aiming for Order Amidst Turbulence

The Trump transition team is reportedly more organized than in 2016, according to three sources familiar with the operations. One adviser notes that the team is striving to avoid the early chaos that marked the 2017 White House.

McMahon and her team craft a series of executive orders that Trump could enact on immigration, trade, energy, and other sectors. They also strategize on how to advance another significant tax reform next year. Lutnick engages with Congress members, donors, business leaders, conservative figures, and former Trump administration officials. Together, they compile and vet candidates for various roles.

Policy Proposals Ready for Implementation

The America First Policy Institute, led by former senior Trump aide Brooke Rollins, has spent four years developing policy proposals. These proposals include strategies for agencies to execute within the first 100 days if Trump wins. Additionally, former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and his associates formulate plans for tariffs concerning China and the European Union. They also address other trade matters to enhance America’s economic position.

Current Priorities for Trump and Harris

It is essential to note that both Trump and Harris are currently preoccupied with other priorities. The former president has expressed to his allies that discussing potential victory outcomes brings him bad luck. Simultaneously, the Harris team has been rapidly establishing its presidential campaign since she officially took Biden’s place on the ticket in August.

Transition teams typically aim to fill approximately 4,000 positions across the White House and federal agencies. The Trump campaign has yet to respond to requests for comments.

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Competition for Positions Intensifies

Former Trump administration officials have been vying for positions since the Republican National Convention, where Trump supporters congregated in Milwaukee bars and restaurants near the convention center, dividing roles in a Trump 2.0 scenario.

Lutnick’s lists now encompass thousands of names, complete with annotations on who recommended each individual. Family members, including sons Don Jr. and Eric, and running mate JD Vance have contributed names. Those linked to the Heritage Foundation or involved in the foundation’s discredited Project 2025 are excluded from consideration, according to individuals familiar with the situation.

Challenges in the Trump Transition

Nevertheless, even the most meticulously crafted plans can unravel in Trump’s world. In 2016, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and his close associates spent months curating lists of individuals and policies, only to have Steve Bannon discard them shortly after Trump’s victory.

The team essentially had to start anew, with loyalists conducting interviews informally and distributing positions based on perceived loyalty or appearance. Privately, the Trump 2024 transition team acknowledges the potential for a similar scenario to unfold again.

Trump’s allies assert they are endeavoring to populate the government with as many private-sector individuals as possible. They surround business executives with former White House aides who can provide insights into governmental operations. The coveted positions include the secretaries of Treasury and State, often regarded as first choices, providing markets and foreign allies a sense of stability.

Harris Team Focuses on Efficient Vetting

The Harris transition team is concentrating on establishing a vetting process to swiftly compile names for cabinet positions and devise plans to fulfill her policy commitments.

A select group of long-time aides, including Ike Irby, continues to manage all policy proposals from the campaign. They focus on maintaining consistency and direction in their efforts. Josh Hsu, former counsel to the vice president, assists the transition. Dana Remus, Biden’s former White House counsel, also contributes to the team’s objectives.

“There is no transition without a successful campaign, and that is the paramount priority right now,” remarked Adam Hodge. “The transition focuses on creating the necessary infrastructure to prepare for the post-election phase.”