Although Americans elected a new president and Congress nearly two months ago, not a single federal official elected last November has taken office yet.
While other countries, particularly those under a Westminster system, inaugurate leaders mere hours after election, the United States transfer of power takes two and a half months. But despite its relatively abnormal length, this period serves as a valuable resource for the country to prepare for the coming term.
The transition timetable has become increasingly beneficial as presidential elections have become more divisive and contentious. The divide between supporters of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris remains stark, and the transition serves an opportunity for national tensions to cool.
President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will take office on January 20, but all Representatives and Senators-elect took their seats at noon on January 3.
Senator John Thune of North Dakota became Majority Leader as Republicans secured a Senate majority at the November election; outgoing Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York became Minority Leader. Vice President Kamala Harris, in her role as president of the Senate, swore in all recently elected Senators.
However, the transition in the House of Representatives was far more contentious. Newly elected members convened for the first time to elect a speaker, a process which had to be completed before any business of the House could begin.
Incumbent Republican Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana initially failed to win enough votes to be reelected, but after close to an hour of negotiations with members who opposed him, Johnson retained the speakership by just one vote. The minority Democratic Party unanimously supported Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York for speaker, but no Republicans joined in supporting him.
Today, just three days later, a joint session of Congress is scheduled to convene to certify the results of the presidential election. Congress will hear readings of each state’s electoral votes and consider their certification.
They are likely to all be easily certified, and Kamala Harris, again as president of the Senate, will declare the results of the election for president and vice president. This will be the final ratification of Donald Trump and JD Vance’s victory in last year’s election.
On the morning of January 20, President Biden and his administration will leave the White House for the final time. Biden and Kamala Harris will attend Donald Trump’s inauguration at the Capitol, the 60th scheduled in the nation’s history.
Both Trump and JD Vance will be administered the oath of office by justices of the Supreme Court, and they will officially become president and vice president at exactly 12:00 that afternoon.
Trump’s first official act as president will be to sign a document formally submitting his Cabinet nominees to the Senate.
A majority of Trump’s nominations for his administration are required to be approved by the Senate, a process which could take months. As Joe Biden’s Cabinet will have already resigned, acting secretaries will likely serve in an interim capacity until the Trump nominees are confirmed. All acting Cabinet members must currently hold a position previously confirmed by the Senate.
The transition period has been an invaluable asset to American democracy throughout its history. It gives presidents-elect time to form their administration, prepare their policy agenda, and begin relations with Congress prior to confirmation votes.
It also ensures that electoral disputes do not interfere with the business of government, as occurred in 1876-77 and 2000. Ultimately, the transfer of power is one of the most crucial components of the American democratic process, symbolizing peace within political differences and national stability.