The Transition of the U.S. Cabinet: Resignations and New Appointments

When a new U.S. president takes office, one of the most critical processes is the transition of the Cabinet. This article explores what happens to the Cabinet members when a new president is elected. It discusses the practices, the motivations behind cabinet changes, and some notable examples of transition.

General Practice and Dissolution of the Cabinet

The general practice in the United States is for Cabinet members to submit their letters of resignation to the incoming president. The new president has the option to accept these resignations and appoint new individuals to fill the positions, or to reject them and allow the individuals to continue serving in their current roles.

Another key aspect is the dissolution of the Cabinet itself. Once a new president is inaugurated, they typically pick new individuals to become secretaries of the respective executive departments. This process aligns with the new administration's agenda and often reflects the new president's priorities and affiliations.

Presidents' Choices and Transition Periods

Presidents generally prefer to have their own people in key roles, and this often translates into appointing individuals who align with their political ideology and leadership style. The terms of Cabinet secretaries often end when a new administration takes office, leading to a transition period.

During this transition, an acting secretary usually runs the department until the new secretary is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. This can be a crucial period as the new administration settles and begins to establish its priorities.

While it is not uncommon for a new president, especially one from the same political party, to keep a Cabinet member on, this is not a universal practice. For instance, Gerald Ford retained Henry Kissinger in his Cabinet after taking over from Richard Nixon. Similarly, Barack Obama kept George W. Bush's last defense secretary, Robert Gates, for part of his first term before replacing him with a secretary of his own choosing. However, it is generally the case that new presidents want a fresh team onboard to instill new perspectives and policies.

Expectations for the Next President

Should Kamala Harris be elected president, one might anticipate that she would retain one or more of President Biden's Cabinet members, assuming they are willing to continue serving in their current roles. For example, Pete Buttigieg, who has been praised for his competent and difficult role as Secretary of Transportation, would be a logical candidate to stay on if Harris becomes the new president.

The process of appointing new Cabinet members is typically well underway by Inauguration Day, with the new Senate confirming the new cabinet appointees shortly after. If there are any confirmation delays, leaving some cabinet positions vacant for a short while is not typically a major issue, as the positions will be filled once confirmations are completed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the U.S. Cabinet experience significant changes with each new administration. The transition process involves resignation, the appointment of new members, and confirmation by the Senate. This process ensures a smooth and strategic transition that aligns with the new administration's goals.