GSA confirms Biden: Transition of power begins in US government

(Patria) – The US government has approved the transfer of power to Joe Biden, confirming him as the elected president in the elections held on November 3.

The head of the US General Services Administration (GSA), Emily Murphy, finally gave the green light for Biden to coordinate preparations for the January 20 inauguration with federal agencies, stating in a letter to the new president that her decision followed "developments concerning legal challenges and the certification of election results."

US President Donald Trump, who has been challenging the election results since Biden was declared the winner, calling them rigged, said via Twitter that the GSA should cooperate with Biden's transition team.   

"I recommend that Emily and her team do whatever is necessary regarding the initial protocols, and I have told my team that as well," Trump announced, adding that he still refuses to admit defeat, but that his team is "moving forward at full speed" and "will never concede."

An increasing number of Republicans are accepting Biden's victory after initially not commenting during Trump's campaign to challenge the election.

Emily Murphy had been criticized for delaying the transition of power process, which prevented Biden's team from accessing intelligence and security briefings, as well as working on the preparations for the new administration.  

"Please note that my decision is independent and based on the law and available facts. I have never been under indirect or direct pressure from Executive Office officials, including those from the White House or the GSA, regarding the content or timing of my decision," stated Emily Murphy in her letter to Biden.

Her decision followed the state of Michigan certifying Biden's victory, while a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that prevented Biden from being confirmed as the winner in Pennsylvania.

Trump is expected to continue challenging the election results in the period ahead.