Politics & Government

U.S. Sen. Moran: Trump Administration Must Allow Preparations For Transition To Biden

Shift in perspective coincides with Trump official's letter saying Biden presumptive winner.

(Credit: Kansas Reflector)

By
Tim Carpenter - November 24, 2020

TOPEKA β€” Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran broke silence about President Donald Trump’s objection to anything that resembled a transition to Democrat Joe Biden, declaring standard national security briefings and other communications should be allowed despite ongoing election feuding.

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Trump’s attorneys have waged an extensive legal battle since the election to challenge results in states declared by Biden. His legal team’s arguments have been rejected with judges and completed recounts haven’t changed the outcome in several states.

Moran’s shift coincided with issuance of a letter by Emily Murphy, administrator of the General Services Administration, declaring Biden the apparent victor and enabling the transition to formally commence. Trump didn’t concede on Twitter, but told followers he accepted steps taken by Murphy to initiate protocols for transfer of power. Neither referred to Biden as the president-elect in statements.

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Moran and U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, both Kansas Republicans, hadn’t joined Senate colleagues, business leaders and international officials who urged the president to concede and to cease attempting to undermine the election process with unfounded claims of fraud.

On Monday night, Moran sent a newsletter to constituents that said Trump had the right to request recounts and file election lawsuits in the quest for accuracy.

β€œThat process will soon be completed, and we must all respect the results of a free and fair election,” Moran said. β€œIn the meantime, the normal national security briefings and transition courtesies should be granted.”

Moran said the nation couldn’t afford to spend the next four years divided over who won the 2020 presidential election. Such skepticism followed Trump after the 2016 election, he said

β€œIn America, elections are sacred β€” the foundation of democratic government,” Moran said. β€œThe orderly transfer of power is an enduring symbol of a government of the people, by the people and for the people.”


The Kansas Reflector seeks to increase people's awareness of how decisions made by elected representatives and other public servants affect our day-to-day lives. We hope to empower and inspire greater participation in democracy throughout Kansas.

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