Summary

Donald Trump’s transition team has been barred from accessing federal agencies due to delays in signing standard ethics and transparency agreements, leaving Cabinet nominees without access to classified or non-public data.

This standoff hampers preparation for national security, workforce, and budget issues as the administration readies for the January 20 inauguration.

Concerns include safeguarding against threats like conflicts abroad and domestic crises, such as avian flu.

The delays also risk derailing nominee confirmations, with scrutiny over FBI background checks and controversies involving key picks like Pete Hegseth and Matt Gaetz.