President Joe Biden is ready to proceed a presidential custom by leaving a letter for his successor, Donald Trump, on the Resolute Desk within the Oval Workplace earlier than departing the White Home for the ultimate time.
This gesture mirrors what Trump did for Biden 4 years in the past, following his refusal to attend Biden’s inauguration in 2021.
Biden’s observe, which can stay personal, is predicted to observe the fashionable custom of presidential farewell letters. This custom dates again to President Ronald Reagan, who left a letter for George H. W. Bush when he succeeded Reagan in 1989. Reagan’s observe, written on whimsical stationery, was a private and lighthearted message providing assist to Bush, his vice chairman for eight years. Since then, each president has adopted swimsuit, passing on considerate phrases to their successors.
Trump, who additionally didn’t attend Obama’s inauguration in 2017, equally wrote a letter to Biden earlier than leaving workplace. Nevertheless, its contents stay undisclosed. Biden did reveal that the observe was “very beneficiant,” stunning many contemplating the contentious political local weather between the 2 leaders. After his inauguration, Biden confirmed the letter to a couple workers members however didn’t let anybody learn it totally. When requested in regards to the letter, Biden maintained it was a non-public matter and declined to debate it till he had the prospect to talk with Trump. Trump, in a 2023 interview, additionally referred to his letter as a “good observe” and shared that he had put appreciable thought into it.
Biden will now make his personal contribution to this custom when he writes a letter to Trump, making him the primary president to each obtain and write such a observe for a similar particular person. This marks an attention-grabbing chapter in American historical past, as Trump returns to the presidency at this time, changing into the primary president since Grover Cleveland within the nineteenth century to serve nonconsecutive phrases.
As Biden prepares to go away workplace, his last day was spent in South Carolina, reflecting on his political journey and the importance of the civil rights motion in shaping his profession. Talking to a crowd, Biden struck an optimistic tone about the way forward for the nation, urging Individuals to “preserve the religion in a greater day to return” and to remain engaged within the nation’s ongoing efforts for progress.
Biden’s farewell contrasts together with his earlier, extra cautionary farewell tackle, by which he warned of a rising oligarchy and threats to democracy. Nonetheless, Biden’s name for hope and perseverance stays central to his message as he prepares to go away workplace.
The custom of writing letters to incoming presidents has advanced over time, beginning with easy notes to supply steering or convey invites. For instance, John Adams wrote to Thomas Jefferson in 1801 with sensible recommendation, whereas later notes have change into extra private reflections and well-wishes. Every letter serves as a second of continuity in a long-standing presidential ritual, reinforcing the transition of energy in a respectful, bipartisan method.