The departing President Joe Biden left a thoughtful and gracious letter for his successor, President Donald Trump, continuing a tradition of outgoing presidents leaving messages for the incoming administration.
The letter, left inside the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, reflects Biden’s hopes for the nation’s future and goodwill toward his successor.
The letter, reads: “As I take leave of this sacred office, I wish you and your family all the best in the next four years. The American people – and people around the world – look to this house for steadiness in the inevitable storms of history, and my prayer is that the coming years will be a time of prosperity, peace, and grace for our nation. May God bless you and guide you as He has blessed and guided our beloved country since our founding.”
Peter Doocy reads the letter Biden left in the draw for President Trump pic.twitter.com/Y6dnRHimTG
— Karli Bonne’ 🇺🇸 (@KarluskaP) January 22, 2025
Signed by Joe Biden, the letter embodies a sense of continuity and respect for the office, underscoring the solemnity of the presidential transition.
When asked about the letter during a press interaction on Monday night, President Trump expressed appreciation for Biden’s gesture. Fox News reporter Peter Doocy inquired whether Trump had found a letter left by his predecessor, referring to the longstanding tradition started by Ronald Reagan in 1989 when he left a note for George H.W. Bush.
Trump initially seemed unsure, replying, “He may have. Don’t they leave it in the desk? I don’t know.” However, he later discovered the white envelope addressed to “47” inside the Resolute Desk. Upon reading it, Trump commented, “It was a very nice letter. It was a little bit of an inspirational-type letter. Enjoy it, do a good job. Important, very important. How important the job is. It was a positive, for him, in writing it. I appreciated the letter.”
The tradition of outgoing presidents leaving letters for their successors has become a hallmark of peaceful transitions of power in the United States. Ronald Reagan started the practice in 1989 with a handwritten note to George H.W. Bush.
Subsequent presidents, including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, continued the custom, leaving personal reflections, advice, and encouragement for their successors.
These letters often transcend political differences, serving as a reminder of the shared responsibility that comes with leading the nation. In 2017, for example, Barack Obama’s letter to Donald Trump highlighted the importance of democratic institutions, global leadership, and the weight of the presidency.
Similarly, George W. Bush’s letter to Obama in 2009 encouraged him to seize the opportunity to lead with courage and wisdom.
Biden’s letter to Trump continues this legacy, emphasizing the importance of the presidency as a unifying force for the nation.
Despite the stark political differences between the two leaders, the message reflects a shared hope for prosperity, peace, and guidance for the country.
Trump’s acknowledgment of the letter as “very nice” and “inspirational” suggests a moment of mutual respect in an otherwise contentious political landscape.