The Full Text: Joe Biden's Outgoing Letter to Donald Trump

Joe Biden writes letter to Donald Trump

The peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of American democracy, and for over three decades, an unspoken tradition has underscored this transition: the outgoing president leaves a handwritten letter for their successor in the Oval Office. On January 20, 2025, as President Joe Biden concluded his term, he honored this tradition by leaving a note for his successor, President Donald Trump, who assumed office as the 47th President of the United States.

The Letter: A Message of Guidance and Unity

The full text of President Biden's letter, as revealed by Fox News and confirmed by the White House, reflects a tone of encouragement and unity.

The letter, dated January 20, 2025, reads:

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 American people—and people around the world—look to this house for steadiness in the inevitable storms of history, and my prayer is that the coming years will be a time of prosperity, peace, and progress.

May God bless you and guide you as you shoulder the immense responsibilities of this office. Always remember that we are but temporary stewards of this institution, tasked with serving the people and safeguarding their trust.

Sincerely,

Joe Biden

January 20, 2025

This heartfelt note embodies the spirit of continuity that defines the presidency, offering a reminder of the shared mission to serve the American people, regardless of political differences.

Trump’s Reaction: Gratitude and Reflection

President Trump discovered the letter shortly after entering the Oval Office on his first day back in the White House. As he signed executive orders later that evening, he was asked by a reporter whether Biden had left a letter for him. Trump responded by pulling open the desk drawer of the iconic Resolute Desk and revealing the envelope marked with a handwritten "47," a reference to his new position as the 47th president.

"It could have been years before we found this thing," Trump joked, holding up the letter. Later, when asked about its contents, he described the note as "a very nice letter" and added that it was "a little bit of an inspirational-type letter." Reflecting further, he said, "Enjoy it, do a good job. Important, very important. How important the job is."

Trump’s reaction highlighted the weight of the office and the symbolic value of Biden’s gesture, which reinforces the common purpose of serving the nation, regardless of partisanship.

A Time-Honored Tradition of Presidential Notes

The practice of outgoing presidents leaving letters for their successors began in 1989 when President Ronald Reagan left a note for his vice president and successor, George H.W. Bush. Reagan’s letter was warm and lighthearted, urging Bush not to let "the turkeys get you down." Since then, every president has honored this tradition, crafting personal messages that range from humorous to deeply reflective.

For instance, President George W. Bush left a letter for President Barack Obama in 2009, reminding him, "There will be trying moments. The critics will rage. But you will have an Almighty God to comfort you, a family who loves you, and a country that is pulling for you, including me."

In 2021, President Trump also left a note for President Biden. Although Biden described it as "generous," the full contents of that letter were never revealed to the public, leaving its details shrouded in mystery.

Biden’s 2025 letter to Trump continues this tradition, serving as both a gesture of goodwill and a reminder of the shared burdens of leadership. His words reflect a desire for unity and stability in a time when the country faces numerous challenges, both domestically and globally.

The Role of These Letters: More Than a Formality

While these letters may seem symbolic, they play an essential role in affirming the peaceful transfer of power—a cornerstone of American democracy. They emphasize continuity, resilience, and the understanding that the presidency is bigger than any one individual. Regardless of the political divisions between outgoing and incoming leaders, these messages serve as reminders that their ultimate loyalty lies with the American people.

Biden’s letter to Trump is particularly poignant in this regard. Having served as president during a turbulent period marked by domestic polarization and international challenges, Biden’s words signal hope and encouragement for the next administration to rise above partisanship and focus on the greater good.

Conclusion: A Gesture of Hope and Civility

Joe Biden’s outgoing letter to Donald Trump is more than a personal note—it is a testament to the enduring principles of democracy and the peaceful transfer of power. Its message of guidance, unity, and humility underscores the shared responsibility of leadership in a divided nation. By continuing this 36-year tradition, Biden has reaffirmed the values that make the presidency a symbol of service to the people.

As President Trump begins his second tenure in the Oval Office, the letter serves as both a gesture of goodwill and a reminder of the immense trust placed in the president by the American people. It is a small yet significant tradition that bridges administrations and reinforces the enduring strength of American democracy.

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