Donald Trump, the President of the United States, mentioned the contents of a letter he received from his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump said, “I was inspired.”
On his first day in office, the 20th (local time), President Trump pulled out a white envelope with the number ’47’ written on it from the drawer of his desk in the White House office. This was a note left by former President Biden addressed to Trump, who became the 47th President of the United States. Trump remarked, “Maybe we should all read it together,” but he did not disclose the specifics of the letter.
According to the American political news outlet The Hill, the topic of the letter came up again at a press conference on the 21st. In response, Trump stated, “It was a very good letter. It was somewhat inspiring. It talked about enjoying and doing well in work, and how important that work is.” He also expressed gratitude for the letter.
The tradition of a former U.S. president leaving a letter for their successor began 36 years ago in 1989, when former President Ronald Reagan left the White House. At that time, Reagan wrote to his successor, President George H.W. Bush, “George, I cherish the memories we share and wish all goes well for you. You will be in my prayers.”
Barack Obama, the 44th President, told his successor Trump, “We are just temporary occupants of this office” and emphasized the duty to uphold the institutions and traditions of democracy, such as the rule of law, separation of powers, protection of equality, and civil liberties, for which our ancestors fought and bled.
Similarly, four years ago in 2021, when Trump left the White House at the end of his term as the 45th President, he also left a letter for his successor Biden. While Biden did not elaborate on its contents, he described it as “very generous.”