Biden's Unusual Presidential Transition of Power

Have you ever wondered what happens when the transfer of presidential power doesn't go as planned? What if the usual pomp and circumstance of an inauguration were replaced by something more somber and militaristic?

In his book The Midnight Rider Rides Again, Derek Johnson explores the unconventional presidential transition of power during Joe Biden's inauguration. You'll discover how military protocols, executive orders, and continuity directives shaped this unique moment in American political history.

Ready to dive into the intriguing details of this unusual transition? Keep reading to uncover the surprising events surrounding Biden's inauguration and their potential implications for future transfers of power.

The Unconventional Transition of Power

When Joe Biden took office as the 46th President of the United States, the circumstances surrounding his inauguration were far from ordinary. The events leading up to and including January 20, 2021, deviated significantly from traditional inaugural customs, raising questions about the nature of this presidential transition of power. As we explore in Derek Johnson's book "The Midnight Rider Rides Again," the unusual circumstances of Biden's inauguration marked a unique chapter in American political history.

A Military Presence Like No Other

If you were watching Biden's inauguration, you might have noticed something peculiar about the atmosphere. Instead of the usual pomp and circumstance associated with welcoming a new president, the scene bore an uncanny resemblance to a military funeral. This stark contrast to previous inaugurations was no coincidence but rather a carefully orchestrated series of events designed to ensure the continuity of government operations.

The most striking deviation from tradition was the military salute given to President Biden. Rather than receiving the customary 21-gun salute that typically marks the inauguration of a new president, Biden was honored with a three-volley salute. This type of salute is usually reserved for military funerals, adding an air of solemnity to what is typically a celebratory occasion.

The Influence of Federal Continuity Directives

To understand the unusual nature of Biden's inauguration, we need to look back at policies put in place during the Trump administration. Federal Continuity Directive 1, implemented in January 2017, laid out a comprehensive plan for maintaining government operations during times of crisis. This directive, along with others that followed, established the groundwork for military involvement in ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of the government.

These directives weren't just bureaucratic paperwork - they played a crucial role in shaping the events of January 6, 2021, and the subsequent inauguration. The chaos that unfolded at the Capitol was, according to some interpretations, anticipated and neutralized through the implementation of policies that allowed for military intervention.

Executive Orders and Their Impact

Another key factor in this unconventional transition was Executive Order 13848, issued before the events of January 6. This order, some argue, effectively invalidated the vote-tallying process, paving the way for military involvement in line with the federal continuity directives.

It's important to note that these measures weren't isolated incidents. They were part of a larger strategy implemented during Trump's presidency, which saw him assume the role of a "wartime president." This designation, while initially tied to the COVID-19 pandemic, had far-reaching implications for the exercise of presidential power.

Continuity in Policy

You might expect a new administration to chart its own course, but interestingly, the Biden administration has largely continued along the path established by its predecessor. Many of Trump's executive orders, including those related to human rights, election interference, and restrictions on Chinese companies, have been extended under Biden's presidency.

This continuity is particularly evident in military policy. Biden has not introduced any substantial new measures or directives in this area, instead maintaining the strategies established during Trump's tenure for ensuring government continuity.

The War Powers Act and Presidential Authority

The War Powers Act plays a significant role in this narrative. Under this act, the president is required to report to Congress on military actions every 180 days. This requirement, coupled with the president's ability to delegate duties to the Secretary of Defense, has important implications for the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.

In 2020, a memorandum was directed to the Secretary of Defense's office, delegating presidential duties and authorities as outlined in specific sections of public law. This action, initially taken under Trump and continued under Biden, reflects a consistent approach to maintaining government functions across administrations.

The Space Force and Military Restructuring

It's worth noting that these changes in the transition of power occurred against the backdrop of significant restructuring within the U.S. military. In December 2019, the Space Force was established as a new branch of the military, expanding its jurisdiction to include outer space activities. Concurrent with this, the first major revision since 1950 was made to the rules governing the conduct of service members.

These changes, along with Trump's activation of a million Reserve Component members to active duty, contributed to his role as a "wartime president" and set the stage for the unconventional transition we witnessed in January 2021.

In conclusion, the circumstances surrounding Biden's inauguration and the transition of power were anything but typical. From the military-style ceremony to the continuation of Trump-era policies, this transition reflected a complex interplay of executive orders, military protocols, and strategies for ensuring government continuity. As we move forward, it remains to be seen how these changes will shape the future of presidential transitions and the balance of power in our government.