Trump's transition team bypasses protocols in federal takeover effort

Donald Trump’s transition team is reportedly bypassing traditional protocols for transferring power, with a close ally describing it as a "hostile takeover" of the federal government. Trump has not collaborated with the General Services Administration and has not signed required ethics pledges. His team is relying on private lawyers for vetting appointees instead of the FBI, which has raised concerns about national security and transparency. Trump’s approach includes plans to grant blanket security clearances to appointees on his first day in office. Trump's transition has also excluded the State Department from communications with foreign leaders, raising alarms among foreign policy experts. Critics argue that this method undermines established norms and could compromise the integrity of the government.