As President Joe Biden prepared to depart the White House on January 20, 2025, he continued the tradition of leaving a letter for his successor, President-elect Donald Trump. This practice, initiated by Ronald Reagan in 1989, symbolizes the peaceful transfer of power and offers personal reflections or advice to the incoming president.
Four years prior, upon assuming office, President Biden discovered a handwritten letter from outgoing President Trump on the Resolute Desk. Biden described the note as “very generous,” though he chose to keep its contents private, stating he would not disclose details until he had spoken directly with Trump.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki later provided insights into this exchange, recounting how President Biden found the letter and read it privately, reflecting his respectful approach to the personal nature of the correspondence.
As President Biden now leaves office, his decision to pen a letter to President-elect Trump underscores his commitment to upholding presidential traditions, even amidst the unique circumstance of transitioning power back to a former president. The contents of Biden’s letter remain confidential, maintaining the personal and private nature of this presidential custom.