Paperwork to permit transfer of power has yet to be signed

AN ADMINISTRATOR appointed by Donald Trump is coming under pressure from Joe Biden’s team after not signing paperwork authorising the transfer of power.

Emily Murphy, head of the General Services Administration, is tasked with formally recognising Mr Biden as the US president-elect. But, as of last night, the process had not started and there was no indication when it would.

Incoming administrations set up shadow teams which collect information on budgets, staffing and work in progress, so that they can hit the ground running the day after the inauguration in January. But the handover cannot begin until the administrator of the GSA gives the green light.

The recognition authorises access to offices, equipment and officials for the Biden team. Under the Presidential Transition Act, the GSA administrator ascertains the “apparent successful candidate” in the election before signing a letter giving them access.

Pamela Pennington, a GSA spokeswoman, said: “An ascertainment has not yet been made. GSA and its administrator will continue to abide by, and fulfil, all requirements under the law.”

Jen Psaki, of the Biden transition team, said America’s national security and economy depended on a “smooth and peaceful transfer of power”.

Meanwhile, the Trump campaign last night announced in a White House press conference that they were filing a new lawsuit in Pennsylvania, the swing state which helped win the election for Mr Biden. Fox News, once Mr Trump’s preferred TV network, pulled away from the press conference seconds after it started, with the host saying that unless they had evidence to back up the claims, “I can’t in good countenance continue to show you this”.