Outgoing White House Chief of Staff has told West Wing personnel that they are barred from answering questions or participating in transition activities with President-elect Joe Biden’s staff “unless specifically authorized,” the Washington Post reports.
“As you may have seen, the [General Services Administration] Administrator has made an ascertainment to allow for the start of a Presidential transition,” Meadows wrote in an email shared with The Washington Post. “I want to remind all [Executive Office of the President] employees of existing procedures and guidance that we must adhere to throughout this Administration.”
Meadows said he designated specific personnel to serve as the points of contact with the Biden team, and that all contact should be directed to them. The limitations may result in the incoming Biden Administration having constrained access to information needed during the transition.
“Unless specifically authorized, EOP personnel are not permitted to speak directly with a member of the Biden Transition Team or the Federal Transition Coordinator,” Meadows said in the memo.