WASHINGTON — In the search for answers after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, an independent commission identified the delayed presidential transition that followed the disputed 2000 election as one of numerous failures that prevented officials in President George W. Bush’s administration from foreseeing the tragedy.
While the slow handover wasn’t a major factor, the commission found it hampered the filling of key national security positions. The group recommended changes to speed up the appointment process to avoid hindering future incoming administrations from identifying threats.
But as President Trump continues to dispute the election results and his administration blocks President-elect Joe Biden from starting the transition, national security experts warn that delays are once again putting the country at risk.
“If you are going to be responsible for the security of the American people, both the incoming administration and the outgoing administration have to cooperate,” said Michael Chertoff, who served as Homeland Security secretary under Bush. “To delay the transition process is to really play Russian roulette . . . with the safety of the American people.”
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