President Donald Trump shared the contents of the letter President Joe Biden left him upon leaving the Oval Office. He revealed the details exclusively to Fox News on Wednesday.
The letter was addressed to "Dear President Trump" and left inside the Resolute Desk. Trump, with some help from Fox News' Peter Doocy, discovered the envelope marked "47."
In the letter, Biden wrote, “As I take leave of this sacred office, I wish you and your family all the best in the next four years.” He spoke of the importance of the office and shared his prayer for peace and prosperity for the nation.
The letter concluded with, “May God bless you and guide you as He has blessed and guided our beloved country since our founding.” It was signed "Joe Biden" and dated January 20, 2025.
Trump found the letter on Monday after Doocy asked if Biden had left one. Trump initially seemed unsure, saying, “Don’t they leave it in the desk? I don’t know.” Moments later, he discovered it and thanked Doocy, joking it might have stayed hidden for years.
When asked about the letter’s contents on Tuesday, Trump described it as “a very nice letter.” He called it “inspirational” and noted its emphasis on the importance of the role. “It was positive,” Trump said, adding that he appreciated Biden’s gesture.
The tradition of outgoing presidents leaving a note for their successor began in 1989 with Ronald Reagan and has continued ever since. Trump, Biden, Obama, and the Bushes all carried it forward.
Biden’s letter was unique, as Trump is both his successor and predecessor. Trump is the first president since Grover Cleveland to serve nonconsecutive terms.
While Biden previously said Trump left him a “very generous letter,” he has not disclosed its contents, citing privacy.