Donald Trump praised the letter Joe Biden left for him, describing it as "good and inspirational"

President Donald Trump shared on January 21 that he had opened a letter left by his predecessor, Joe Biden, in the Resolute Desk of the Oval Office. The letter, addressed to the "47th President," contained encouraging and positive messages about the presidency.

Speaking to reporters, Trump described the letter as “good and inspirational” and quoted it, saying, “Enjoy, do a great job.” He highlighted its significance and hinted at the possibility of making its contents public as a gesture of goodwill.

Trump, who assumed office on January 20, found the letter after being asked by reporters if Biden had left him a message. Initially unsure, he searched the desk drawer and retrieved the handwritten note. He held it up to cameras, displaying the number “47” prominently inscribed, and stated he would read it privately before deciding whether to release it.

This letter continues a long-standing tradition among U.S. presidents, where outgoing leaders leave personal notes for their successors in the Oval Office. These letters often serve as symbols of the peaceful transition of power, offering advice, encouragement, or reflections on the presidency.

Trump’s discovery came in an unusual context. He is the first president since Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century to serve non-consecutive terms. When Trump left the White House in January 2021, he also left a letter for President Biden, which Biden described as “very generous.” However, Biden has never revealed the contents of that note.

The practice of presidential letters began in 1989, when Ronald Reagan left a humorous cartoon-themed note for George H.W. Bush. Reagan encouraged Bush to remain undeterred, writing, “Don’t let the turkeys get you down.” This lighthearted message set the tone for future exchanges.

Over time, these letters evolved into more formal and heartfelt expressions. In 1993, George H.W. Bush wrote a particularly famous letter to Bill Clinton, expressing unity and support. “Your success is now our country’s success,” Bush wrote, pledging his unwavering encouragement.

Trump’s comments about Biden’s letter come amid heightened interest in presidential transitions. The peaceful handover of power, symbolized by these letters, underscores the continuity of governance despite political differences. Trump's decision to consider publishing the letter reflects an effort to highlight the positive nature of the exchange.

Whether Trump ultimately releases the full text remains uncertain, but his remarks have drawn attention to the personal side of presidential transitions. The tradition of leaving letters in the Oval Office has become an enduring reminder of the shared responsibility of leading the nation.