Recognition of Joe Biden as the Apparent Winner of the 2020 Presidential Election

On November 24, 2020, the United States General Services Administration (GSA) formally recognized Joe Biden as the apparent winner of the 2020 presidential election. This recognition was a critical step in the presidential transition process, allowing President-elect Biden and his team to begin the formal transition of power from the outgoing administration of President Donald Trump.

Context and Background

The 2020 U.S. presidential election, held on November 3, 2020, was one of the most contentious and closely watched elections in American history. Joe Biden, the Democratic candidate and former Vice President, ran against the incumbent Republican President Donald Trump. The election saw a record voter turnout, with over 159 million Americans casting their votes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the days following the election, major news networks and election analysts projected Joe Biden as the winner after he secured key battleground states, surpassing the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. However, President Trump and his allies challenged the results, alleging widespread voter fraud without providing substantive evidence. These challenges led to a delay in the formal recognition of the election outcome.

The Role of the GSA

The General Services Administration plays a crucial role in the presidential transition process. The GSA Administrator is responsible for “ascertaining” the apparent successful candidate in a presidential election, which triggers the release of funds, office space, and access to federal agencies for the incoming administration. This process is essential for ensuring a smooth and orderly transfer of power.

The Decision on November 24, 2020

On November 24, 2020, GSA Administrator Emily Murphy sent a letter to President-elect Joe Biden, officially recognizing him as the apparent winner of the election. This decision came after weeks of legal challenges and recounts in several states, which did not alter the outcome of the election.

Murphy’s ascertainment allowed the Biden transition team to access $6.3 million in federal funds, office space, and other resources necessary for the transition. It also enabled Biden’s team to begin coordinating with current government officials on critical issues, including national security and the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Aftermath and Significance

The GSA’s recognition marked a pivotal moment in the transition process, as it allowed for the formal and logistical preparations necessary for the incoming administration to assume office on January 20, 2021. Despite ongoing legal challenges from the Trump campaign, the transition proceeded, culminating in Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th President of the United States.

The 2020 election and its aftermath highlighted the importance of the GSA’s role in ensuring a peaceful transition of power, a cornerstone of American democracy. The events underscored the resilience of democratic institutions and the rule of law in the face of unprecedented challenges.