This study, prepared by the Partnership for Public Service’s Center for Presidential Transition and the Boston Consulting Group, analyzes how newly elected presidents have allocated their time between the election and the inauguration, how their spouses handled the transition and the post-election roles taken by presidential running mates.
A paper by UVA’s Miller Center Director and CEO William Antholis and Center for Presidential Transition Director David Marchick featuring lessons learned from previous transitions that occurred during political and economic crises.
Memo from Acting OMB Deputy Director for Management Michael Rigas and GSA Federal Transition Coordinator Mary Gibert to agency heads with guidance on presidential transition preparations dated Sept. 4, 2020.
This document, prepared by the Partnership’s Center for Presidential Transition® and the law firms of Steptoe & Johnson and Holland & Knight collects historical examples of decisions previous administrations have made when vetting prospective political appointees. It includes updates for the 2020 presidential transition cycle.
The Center for Presidential Transition’s comprehensive guide on the activities required during the transition. This guide for the 2020 presidential election cycle was produced in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group. It features detailed outlines of transition best practices, historical materials from past transitions, and recommendations for a successful presidential transition to a new or second-term administration.
Memo from Acting Office of Management and Budget Director, Russell Vought, to agency heads with guidance on presidential transition preparations and implementing the Presidential Transition Act dated April 4, 2020. This memo includes guidance on the timetable of agency actions, including which agencies will participate in the Agency Transition Directors Council (ATDC) and other agencies who will name a transition point of contact.
Preparing for the enormous responsibility of running the federal government is the most important job for any presidential candidate.
This letter stresses the importance of early preparation by President Trump and the Democratic candidates to be equipped for a second term or new administration.
In November 2024, the Partnership for Public Service published an updated version of this report with new data and improved methods for calculations that is available here.
Data from the Partnership for Public Service found that Senate confirmation of presidential appointees are taking longer than ever.
Why it Matters
A major presidential responsibility is to fill more than 1,200 political appointments requiring Senate confirmation. Few decisions have a greater impact on the success of an administration than the selection of its people. A president must not only select well-qualified appointees, but work with relevant federal agencies and the Senate to get appointees in place quickly. This is especially crucial for a president beginning their first term, or transitioning to a second term, as year five usually coincides with a turnover of more than 40% in senior leadership positions.
Report of the contributions received by Trump for America and the expenses incurred reported to the General Services Administration as required by the Presidential Transition Act.