Trump opens path to Biden transition as GSA sends letter

U.S. General Services Administration Administrator Emily Murphy on Monday informed Joe Biden that he can now access transition services and resources even as her boss President Trump contests the election results.

"As the Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, I have the ability under the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, as amended, to make certain post-election resources and services available to assist in the event of a presidential transition," Murphy wrote in a letter obtained by CNN. "I take this role seriously and, because of recent developments involving legal challenges and certifications of election results, am transmitting this letter today to make those resources and services available to you."

The move comes nearly three weeks after Election Day.

"Please know that I came to my decision independently, based on the law and available facts," Murphy wrote. "I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official—including those who work at the White House or GSA—with regard to the substance or timing of my decision. To be clear, I did not receive any direction to delay my determination. I did, however, receive threats online, by phone, and by mail directed at my safety, my family, my staff, and even my pets in an effort to coerce me into making this determination prematurely. Even in the face of thousands of threats, I always remained committed to upholding the law."

Trump, who has alleged election fraud and has not conceded in the presidential contest, tweeted Monday that he believes he will ultimately prevail.

But he also wrote that "in the best interest of our Country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same."