President Donald Trump recently brought attention to a letter he found, courtesy of his successor Joe Biden, nestled in a drawer within the iconic Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. On Monday, while speaking to reporters, Trump provided a glimpse of the note, hinting at its significance.
This act is a part of a time-honored tradition where outgoing presidents leave a heartfelt message for their successors as they step out of office. Finally, the entire content of Joe Biden’s farewell letter to Donald Trump has been brought to light.
Biden’s letter warmly addressed to Trump began with a note of goodwill: “As I depart from this sacred office, I extend my best wishes to you and your family for the next four years,” according to a report by Fox News.
Continuing in a spirit of camaraderie, Biden wrote, “The American people—and people across the globe—look to this house for stability during the inevitable storms of history. My prayer is that the years ahead bring prosperity, peace, and grace to our nation.”
President-Elect Donald J. Trump pictured with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden earlier today at the White House. pic.twitter.com/cZb45qRzrx
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) November 13, 2024
The letter concluded with Biden’s sincere well-wishes, “May God bless you and guide you, as He has blessed and guided our beloved country since its founding,” signed simply as “Joe Biden,” dated January 20, marking his departure from office.
This generous gesture seemed to contrast with the often contentious exchanges that characterized their election campaigns. Biden, having once criticized Trump as a threat to democracy, and Trump branding Biden with harsh labels, momentarily set aside their differences in these parting words.
The unveiling of Biden’s letter found its way into public view when shared by Fox News, emphasizing this tradition: “Dear President Trump, As I take leave of this sacred office I wish you and your family all the best in the next four years…”
The seemingly personal and conciliatory note mirrors the light President Ronald Reagan left for his successor, George H.W. Bush, reportedly starting this custom in 1989.
🚨BREAKING: Fox News has officially released the content of Joe Biden’s letter to President Trump that was found in the desk of the Oval Office:
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 22, 2025
Dear President Trump,
As I take leave of this sacred office I wish you and your family all the best in the next four years. The… pic.twitter.com/f9rihSiy7R
Despite the storm surrounding Trump’s absence from Biden’s 2021 inauguration, which he attributed to contested election results, Trump did honor this presidential tradition by leaving his own letter for Biden as he vacated the White House.
Back then, Biden expressed his thoughts on receiving Trump’s letter, acknowledging its generosity. “It was a very generous letter,” Biden remarked, choosing to keep its content private until a personal dialogue was possible, though acknowledging the noble gesture.
