
As Donald Trump settled into the Oval Office, he was greeted by a surprise that even the most seasoned politician might appreciate—a thoughtful letter from his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump revealed that former President Joe Biden left him an “inspirational” message in the Oval Office.
- The letter was addressed to “Number 47” and encouraged Trump to “enjoy it” and “do a good job.”
- The letter was left in the drawer of the Resolute desk as a part of a tradition.
- Trump appreciated the positive message from Biden, despite their political rivalry.
- Trump hinted at making the letter public to honor the tradition.
A Tradition of Letters in the Oval Office
Upon his first day in office, Donald Trump uncovered a letter left for him by Joe Biden in the desk of the Oval Office. This practice of outgoing presidents leaving notes for their successors is a tradition dating back to Ronald Reagan. The letter was addressed to “Number 47,” signifying Trump’s new position as President of the United States. Trump expressed gratitude for Biden’s thoughtful gesture, noting the letter contained words of encouragement, emphasizing the significance of the presidential role.
According to Trump, the message urged him to “enjoy it” and “do a good job.” This revelation followed Biden’s vague praise of the note Trump had left for him in 2021, which he described only as “generous.” The contents of Biden’s letter point to an unexpected moment of camaraderie amidst their otherwise tumultuous relationship.
Political Rivals Finding Common Ground
The dynamic between Trump and Biden has been fraught with tension since Trump entered the political arena in 2015. Their rivalry intensified during the 2020 elections, with Trump often pointing fingers at Biden’s family, including his son, Hunter. Despite these disagreements, Trump openly recognized the positive nature of Biden’s letter, showcasing an unexpected bridge between the two leaders.
Interestingly, Trump chose not to open the envelope marked “47” publicly, maintaining a sense of mystique about the letter. Despite the secrecy, he did express his appreciation, hinting at the possibility of revealing its contents to the public, honoring the practice of letter exchanges in the history of the Oval Office.
The Letter’s Historical Significance
While the personal letter was meant for President Trump, its symbolism extends beyond personal sentiments. It reflects a rare instance where two political adversaries uphold an esteemed presidential tradition. As Trump remarked, making the letter public might serve as a reminder of the values shared between them, even amidst political differences.
“But I may—I think it was a nice letter. I think I should let people see it because was a positive for him in writing it. I appreciated the letter.” – Donald Trump
As the tradition continues, this exchange serves as a poignant reminder of the fraternity that binds all who have served in the highest office of the land. It symbolizes a moment where deep-seated political divides are briefly set aside for the greater good of the nation and its presidency.
Sources:
- Trump reveals ‘inspirational’ message Biden left him in Oval Office letter
- Donald Trump Shares Details of Joe Biden’s Oval Office Letter to Him – Newsweek