Former President Joe Biden left a heartfelt letter for President Donald Trump in the Resolute Desk, which Trump described as "very nice" and "a little bit of an inspirational-type letter." The letter, dated January 20, 2025, expresses Biden's best wishes for Trump’s upcoming term and emphasizes the significance of the presidential role. It reads, “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.” Biden adds a prayer stating, “May God bless you and guide you as He has blessed and guided our beloved country since our founding.”

Trump revealed he found the letter during a press conference after being sworn in, stating, “I appreciated the letter,” and noted it was significant given their past relationship fraught with tension. He expressed interest in potentially sharing its contents publicly, citing that it carried a positive sentiment from Biden. The letter's tradition of outgoing presidents is a 36-year-old practice that began with former President Ronald Reagan’s note to George H.W. Bush in 1989.

Despite the competitive history between the two, both presidents maintained a cordial tone during the transition, with Biden wishing Trump well as he stepped into his second tenure. Trump reflected positively on his return to the Oval Office, expressing that it felt like "one of the better feelings I've ever had." The letter serves as a reminder of the dignity and respect that can exist even amid political rivalry. For more details, visit The Hill.