Read what Joe Biden wrote in a letter to Donald Trump

On January 23, 2025By Littum

WASHINGTON — Former President Joe Biden told President Donald Trump “may God bless you and guide you” in a letter he left at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office before he left.

The White House confirmed the contents of the memo, first reported by Fox News.

The full letter, signed by Biden and dated January 20, 2025, reads:

Biden’s gesture follows a 36-year tradition of a departing president leaving a letter for their successor to find.

Trump opened a desk drawer and revealed the letter Monday night when a reporter asked if Biden had left a note. The exchange came as Trump signed orders from the Oval Office after he was sworn in as the 47th president earlier in the day.

“It could have been years before we found this thing,” Trump said, holding up the letter with a handwritten number “47” on the outer envelope.

On Tuesday, Trump said he appreciated the memo from Biden, describing it as “a very nice letter.”

“It was kind of an inspirational letter. Enjoy it, do a good job. Important, very important. How important the job is,” Trump said.

Trump also left a letter for Biden in 2021 after Trump’s first term in office, although the contents were never revealed.

Reach Joey Garrison at X @joeygarrison.