President Donald Trump’s administration is ready to begin the formal transition process for President-elect Joe Biden, according to multiple news sources.
NEW: GSA has informed president-elect Joe Biden the administration is ready to begin the formal transition process, according to a letter from administrator Emily Murphy sent Monday afternoon and obtained by CNN.
— Jeff Zeleny (@jeffzeleny) November 23, 2020
Administrator Emily Murphy of the General Services Administration sent Biden a letter Monday afternoon, CNN reported.
“I have always strived to do what is right,” Murphy said, according to reporter Jeremy Herb. “I came to my decision independently, based on law and available facts,” Murphy said in the letter.
Here's the full letter from Murphy to Biden: pic.twitter.com/DJ4SFLzrfP
— Jeremy Herb (@jeremyherb) November 23, 2020
“I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official—including those who work at the White House or GSA—with regard to the substance or timing of my decision,” Murphy wrote in the letter to Biden.
Trump said he recommended that Murphy “and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same,” according to an official post by Trump.
...fight, and I believe we will prevail! Nevertheless, in the best interest of our Country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 23, 2020
Retiring Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander, who has repeatedly called for the transition to begin, released a new statement Monday saying Trump should “put the country first” and help Biden’s administration succeed.
“When you are in public life, people remember the last thing you do,” Alexander said.
The president also said his case “STRONGLY continues.”
Biden’s team said GSA’s ascertainment will provide “resources and support necessary” for the “smooth and peaceful transition of power,” according to reporter Kyle Cheney.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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