Staff Transition in the White House: Dynamics and Realities
The transition of White House staff when a new president takes office is a complex process influenced by various personal, political, and economic factors. Though it is often assumed that staff members must depart, the truth is that this is more of an exception than the rule. Even in scenarios where the new president belongs to the same party, the majority of the staff tend to continue in their roles or explore new opportunities.
Staff Dynamics and Realities
White House staff members are primarily political appointees and loyalists to the incumbent president. This means that most of them have been selected and remain in their positions based on their allegiance to the new president. The presence of a political appointee from the previous administration in the new president's cabinet is likely to be seen as a potential conflict of interest, akin to an enemy within one's ranks.
As a result, most political appointees tend to submit their resignations. This transition is often less dramatic for Cabinet department staff, where an undersecretary might remain to ensure continuity until new leaders are confirmed. However, this occurs more frequently in the background and rarely makes the national spotlight.
Notable Exceptions
One notable exception is Sally Yates, who served as a holdover appointee during the early days of the Trump administration. While her situation was unique, it highlights the complex scenarios that can arise during the transition. Sally Yates, an Obama holdover, resigned from her position as acting attorney general due to her disagreement with the Trump administration's policies. Her decision to order DOJ attorneys not to defend the controversial Muslim ban, based on her belief that it was unlawful and vulnerable to Russian blackmail, further exemplifies the challenges faced by such staff members.
While most White House staff members do leave, there are instances where some more mundane staffers continue to work through multiple administrations. For example, it is not uncommon for White House staff such as cooks, porters, and telephone operators to remain in their positions for extended periods. Reasons for this can include the stability and comfort such roles offer or the lack of immediate replacement.
Staying on for Special Assignments
Some staff members might be retained by the incoming administration for special assignments until a permanent replacement is found. This was the case with a friend of the author, who was a Republican and stayed at USAID during the early stages of the Clinton administration. Staying for a short period can sometimes lead to prolonged assignments, and staff members may eventually resign if the situation doesn't change.
Other Staff Members
Not all staff members are political appointees. US attorneys and the FBI director typically remain in their roles during a transition. Ambassadors usually stay in their positions until they receive a formal request to leave their post.
The decision for White House staff members to leave or stay is often influenced by personal career aspirations, financial considerations, and the desire to contribute to the historical documentation of the previous administration. Some might pursue opportunities in the private sector, taking advantage of the experience they gained in the White House to secure better-paying jobs. The financial benefits of such moves are particularly enticing, especially for those with children in or facing higher education.
Staff transition in the White House is a multifaceted process that reflects the intricate dynamics of political loyalty, public service, and personal ambition. While the majority of staff members leave, their transitions are rarely uniform, and many factors influence their decisions.