The United States National Security Presidential Directive/NSPD 51 & Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-20, created by President GW Bush*, states "It is the policy of the United States to maintain a comprehensive and effective continuity capability composed of Continuity of Operations and Continuity of Government programs in order to ensure the preservation of our form of government under the Constitution and the continuing performance of National Essential Functions under all conditions."

There are eight (8) National Essential Functions (NEFs) that are the primary focus of the Federal Government leadership during and in the aftermath of an emergency that adversely affects the performance of Government Functions, namely:

(1) Ensuring the continued functioning of our form of government under the Constitution, including the functioning of the three separate branches of government;

(2) Providing leadership visible to the Nation and the world and maintaining the trust and confidence of the American people;

(3) Defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and preventing or interdicting attacks against the United States or its people, property, or interests;

(4) Maintaining and fostering effective relationships with foreign nations;

(5) Protecting against threats to the homeland and bringing to justice perpetrators of crimes or attacks against the United States or its people, property, or interests;

(6) Providing rapid and effective response to and recovery from the domestic consequences of an attack or other incident;

(7) Protecting and stabilizing the Nation's economy and ensuring public confidence in its financial systems; and

(8) Providing for critical Federal Government services that address the national health, safety, and welfare needs of the United States.

Within the span of the past several months, there have been incidents that have or imminently shall result in extraordinary levels of disruption severely affecting the US population or government functions. Evidence of such disruption includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• US Intelligence reports that Russia did order covert intelligence operations and propaganda to undermine the US election, and have alleged compromising/blackmail data on PEOTUS.

• The current Congress has demonstrated its will to dismantle many protections to US lands, citizen rights and procedural norms, such as not appropriately vetting cabinet nominees;

• PEOTUS's recall of all US ambassadors without exception undermines worldwide US interests;

• PEOTUS has demonstrated a flagrant disregard for the the first Constitutional Amendment - Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Speech - which has ominous potential of limiting or loss of those rights for US human citizens;

These represent more than the normal, historical change of administration. Using Executive Directive 51, POTUS can stem a dismantling of government agencies, regulations, protections and programs designed for US human citizens (as opposed to corporate "citizens").  It would allow time for appropriate and adequate review of the above actions, demand proper vetting and divestiture of candidates-elect, and other actions which may necessary to protect and preserve our union.

*Reference: https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070509-12.html