Nearly four years ago, Donald Trump swore an oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Trump now violates that oath on multiple fronts as he continues to insist he won an election he decisively lost, toys with disrupting the Jan. 6 count by Congress of the Electoral College tally — and lets his administration withhold vital cooperation from President-elect Joe Biden’s team in the pivotal closing weeks.
Don’t be surprised by the dangerous and juvenile behavior. Do be outraged.
Biden leveled the grave charge Monday: that political leaders at the Office of Management and Budget and Defense Department have put up “roadblocks” rather than responsibly turning over everything needed to ensure a seamless transition.
“Right now, we just aren’t getting all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas,” said Biden. “My team needs a clear picture of our force posture around the world and our operations to deter our enemies. We need full visibility into the budget planning underway at the Defense Department and other agencies in order to avoid any window of confusion or catch-up that our adversaries may try to exploit.” Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller disputes the accusation, saying officials are briefing their successors exhaustively.
If Biden cannot go public with the precise contours of what Team Trump is purportedly withholding due to its classified nature, he should bring those details to Congress’ bipartisan Gang of Eight, who should then ramp up pressure on the executive to cooperate in full.
Those who serve the United States in uniform around the world, and all who need protecting here at home, need a government that doesn’t blink when power changes hands. If, in his extended tantrum, Trump endangers the nation, there must be hell to pay.
