Reining in the Permanent Bureaucrats: Trump’s Fight Against the Weaponized Transition Process

Substack ^ | Nov 29, 2024 | @amuse

[Right_Wing_Madman]

The current transition struggle exemplifies the danger of allowing the permanent bureaucratic state to accrue power unchecked. The PTA (Presidential Transition Act) was passed by Congress to assist the incoming president because it was deemed critical to national security that the new administration be as prepared as possible. Instead, it has become yet another instrument by which the unelected wield power over the elected.

Trump’s strategy is to stand firm—to reject the idea that the GSA, FBI, or DOJ have any right to dictate the terms under which he assumes office. His limited MOU with the GSA is a testament to this approach: they will not be entrusted with phones, computers, or access to sensitive communications. The president will decide who gets security clearances, relying on his constitutional authority rather than the compromised advice of an FBI that has worked against him since 2016.

This is not just about Trump; it is about the future of the presidency itself. If the bureaucratic state can dictate the terms of a presidential transition, then it can neuter the authority of any president who dares challenge its power. The unitary executive theory must be reasserted if the presidency is to mean anything beyond being a puppet of the entrenched civil service. It is time to reign in the power of the unelected, to dismantle the regulatory overreach that has turned the PTA from a bridge into a barrier, and to restore the executive branch to its rightful head—the president of the United States.

[Right_Wing_Madman]

Pocahantas and the Deep State are in a panic. Unlike the 2016-17 transition, the GSA and FBI won't have access to the Trump team's phones or computers. Also, outside agencies, instead of the FBI, will review and clear prospective cabinet members and officials. No "Michael Flynns" this time.

[DouglasKC]

Trump’s strategy is to stand firm—to reject the idea that the GSA, FBI, or DOJ have any right to dictate the terms under which he assumes office. His limited MOU with the GSA is a testament to this approach: they will not be entrusted with phones, computers, or access to sensitive communications. The president will decide who gets security clearances, relying on his constitutional authority rather than the compromised advice of an FBI that has worked against him since 2016.

Best summary of what's going on. Clear, concise and factual.

[rktman]

Hair pulling ensues!

[Governor Dinwiddie]

Yes, anyone who isn't known MAGA is suspect. Poor Michael Flynn never had a chance, being set up by FIB goons. Kash Patel is right: close the Hoover building on day 1. Fire everyone. On day 2 reopen it as the Museum of the Deep State.

[Nachoman]

I bet there will be far fewer leaks to the press during this term.

[DouglasKC]

Won’t it be glorious??

[unclebankster]

Permanent democrat partisans in the federal executive bureaucracies make a case for a return to the spoils/patronage system.

I’m not saying it should happen, but the ‘conversation’ needs to happen.

[mbrfl]

Great article.

[Lurker]

“Trump’s strategy is to stand firm—to reject the idea that the GSA, FBI, or DOJ have any right to dictate the terms under which he assumes office. His limited MOU with the GSA is a testament to this approach: they will not be entrusted with phones, computers, or access to sensitive communications. The president will decide who gets security clearances, relying on his constitutional authority rather than the compromised advice of an FBI that has worked against him since 2016.”

Trump will not make the same mistakes he did in 2016. Trusting those people very nearly got him tossed into prison for the rest of his life.

L

[No name given]

It sure will.

[FrankRizzo890]

(Waits patiently for his process to be deemed “illegal, unpatriotic, and funded by faceless oligarchs”)

[onona]

Trump’s strategy is to stand firm—to reject the idea that the GSA, FBI, or DOJ have any right to dictate the terms under which he assumes office. His limited MOU with the GSA

I got two out of the four acronyms (abbreviations more like it)

[Does so]

“I bet there will be far fewer leaks to the press during this term.”
.
.
Unfortunately, the allure of illegal drugs will factor in, just like everywhere-else in North American criminality...

[TheWriterTX]

I’ve already seen a stark difference.

Trump controls the communication, not some random anonymous “source.”

[Right_Wing_Madman]

I bet there will be far fewer leaks to the press during this term.

[Kudsman]

President Trump is running circles around the bureaucrats because he is tireless. They simply cannot keep up. Most appear to be sleepwalking. Remember the grueling campaign schedule?

I expect the cabinent to adopt and adjust to the man's energy level as well. No more Sleepy Joe.

[philman_36]

Looks like fool me once, shame on you is in play.

Won't Get Fooled Again

[RainMan]

GSA = General Services Administration = Primary Contracting Administrators of the government.
FBI = Federal Bureau of Investigation
DOJ = Department of Justice
MOU = Memorandum of Understanding

The transition bureaucrats were trying to force Trump to agree to their terms. Trump said no. He finally agreed to a limited scope of authority for the bureaucrats to help. That is what is referred to as the MOU.

[tired&retired]

After the Mossad exploding phone tactic Israel successfully used on Hezbolla, I too would be reluctant to accept phones from the deep state.

[Carry_Okie]

Very useful piece. I knew it was going to be like this, but the added details are of value.

Thanks for the post.