The term "presidential transition" had not even begun to be widely applied to the period between an individual's election as president of the United States and their assumption of the office.

[2][3] Beginning on November 7, the day after the election, the newly minted president-elect and his family were given protection by the United States Secret Service.

[4] While the stock market would crash months into Hoover's presidency, starting the Great Depression, the performance of the economy during his transition appeared strong.

[5][6] On November 19, 1928, President-elect Hoover embarked on a ten-nation goodwill tour of Latin America, first departing from San Pedro, in Los Angeles, California aboard the USS Maryland.

"[11][12][13] Hoover's work as United States secretary of commerce had led him to view Latin America as important, and believe that there was need to improve relations.

Hoover professed unconcern, tearing off the front page of a newspaper that revealed the plot and explaining, "It's just as well that Lou shouldn't see it," referring to his wife.

[3] The other was Secretary of Labor James J. Davis, who was retained, per Bruner's accounting, in order for Hoover to avoid the pressure to appoint John L. Lewis to the position.