As the United States nears another presidential election, the notion that “America has one president at a time” is under renewed scrutiny. This long-standing principle, intended to maintain continuity and prevent confusion in US governance during the transitional period, has become a focal point of tension as former President Donald Trump vies for office once more. Democrats warn that if Trump wins, he might disregard established norms and protocols, potentially complicating the transition in much the same way critics allege he did in 2016.

One of the key elements of the transfer of power in the United States is the principle that a president-elect should refrain from making policy decisions or undermining the sitting president’s foreign policy initiatives before taking office. Past presidents, like Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, largely honored this principle, prioritizing a smooth transition for the sake of both national and international stability. Clinton notably urged both allies and adversaries to acknowledge that the United States has “only one president at a time” during his transition in 1992, emphasizing the importance of speaking with one voice on foreign matters.

However, Trump’s actions following his 2016 victory created an unprecedented stir. That year, Trump made several moves that were criticized as potential violations of the “One President at a Time” custom, especially in foreign affairs. The Logan Act of 1799, a law aimed at preventing unauthorized individuals from negotiating with foreign governments, underscores this principle. Although rarely enforced, the law reflects the........

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