Who Teaches the President of the United States After Taking Office?

When one thinks of who teaches the President of the United States his or her basics after taking office, the answer is not straightforward. The 2017 transition of power from Barack Obama to Donald Trump, for example, provides a stark example of the lack of preparation and structure typically expected in such transitions.

The Case of Donald Trump

If we refer to former President Donald Trump, no one filled that role. Donald Trump famously declared himself to be a “very stable genius,” and while his assertions about his intelligence have often been questioned, his responses to these challenges reveal a lack of formal education and training in governmental processes. Instead, Trump preferred to surround himself with people who would support and agree with his views, specifically choosing to challenge rather than learn from the existing expertise within the administration.

Trump's approach to governance was unconventional and, at times, detrimental to the country. His inclination to trust those who flatter him and share his viewpoint meant that crucial decisions and policies were often made without proper knowledge or training, leading to criticism and controversy throughout his term.

The Importance of Presidential Transition

Most Presidents-elect spend the nine weeks of the transition period establishing their team of appointments and consulting with career civil servants and outgoing appointees to grasp the enormity of their new role. However, the transition process is governed by federal laws designed to ensure a smooth transfer of power, such as the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 and the Presidential Transition Act of 2015.

Presidential Transition Act of 1963: This act declares the purpose to be promoting the orderly transfer of executive power at the end of a President's term and the inauguration of a new one. It includes provisions for the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide essential services and facilities for the new administration.

The Role of the General Services Administration (GSA)

The General Services Administration (GSA) plays a significant role in facilitating the transition through a range of services and teams, including:

Incoming Presidential Transition Team - Assists in the hiring and onboarding of personnel. Inaugural Team - Handles the planning and coordination of the Inaugural ceremony and events. Internal GSA Transition Team - Manages the internal processes and coordination within the GSA. Outgoing Administration Team - Supports the outgoing administration in the transition process.

GSA’s Inaugural Support Team provides comprehensive services to the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) and the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), ensuring a successful inauguration ceremony. It is crucial that these teams are well-organized to prevent any unforeseen issues during the transition period.

The Role of Other Agencies

Several other agencies and institutions also have critical roles in ensuring a smooth transition, including:

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) - Manages and preserves the historical records of the government. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) - Oversees the hiring and management of federal employees. Department of Defense (DoD) - Ensures the security and effective functioning of the Armed Forces during the transition. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) - Enforces ethics and compliance standards for government officials.

The cooperation between these agencies ensures that the transition process is as seamless and efficient as possible, allowing the new President to assume office with the necessary knowledge and support.

The Challenges of Informal Leadership

By relying solely on informal networks and people who agree with his views, Trump’s approach to governance was riskier. His lack of formal preparation and training left him vulnerable to criticism and controversy, particularly during his controversial first year in office.

One can only speculate how different the situation might have been had Trump embraced the formal structures and processes established for presidential transitions. A more structured and prepared presidency could have led to a more stable and effective administration.

Conclusion

The role of teacher is not explicitly filled for the President of the United States, but the transition process is in place to facilitate an orderly transfer of power. This process is governed by federal acts and is supported by numerous agencies, ensuring that the new President has the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources to take on the immense responsibilities of the presidency. The lack of formal preparation in the Trump era serves as a cautionary tale of the importance of proper transitions for the stability and success of the nation.