Do presidents-elect seek private contributions to fund their transition offices?
A 1963 law allows for both federal funding and private donations to support a new president's transition planning between Election Day and Inauguration Day. Direct support from the General Services Administration covers costs for office space, administrative support and staff and travel expenses. The law allows any single individual or entity to make a contribution of up to $5,000 to the effort.
In 2008, President-Elect Obama raised $1.2 million for his transition in the 11 days after his election, according to federal filings tracked by Open Secrets. In 2016, President Trump raised $6.5 million in private donations, according to the Center for Public Integrity. On Nov. 23, the GSA formally unlocked the government funding for the Biden transition team, which has also been seeking private-sector donations.
