Joe Biden leaves letter to Donald Trump on Oval Office desk

On January 23, 2025By Littum

WASHINGTON — Former President Joe Biden left a letter for the man who replaced him in the Oval Office, continuing a tradition that dates back 36 years.

President Donald Trump discovered the letter, which was left in a white envelope with “47” written on it and underlined twice, at the Resolute Desk after a reporter asked about it Monday night while signing orders. The 47th president did not share what Biden wrote.

“Maybe we should all read it together,” Trump said. “Maybe I’ll read it first and then make that decision.”

Former President Ronald Reagan started the tradition of presidents leaving private letters for their successors in 1989 with a message for then-President George HW Bush.

“George, I cherish the memories we share and wish you all the best. You will be in my prayers,” Reagan wrote.

Every outgoing president since has written a note to the incoming one.

Former President Barack Obama wrote to Trump at the beginning of his first administration, telling him “we are just temporary occupants of this office. That makes us guardians of the democratic institutions and traditions — like the rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties — for which our forefathers fought and bled before.”

Trump’s letter to Biden after the former president defeated him in 2020 has not been made public.