In a letter left for Donald Trump at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, President Joe Biden wished his successor “all the best” for the future, according to a report. The letter, which had remained private until Trump discovered it on Tuesday, was later shared on X by Fox News reporter Peter Doocy.
Biden’s message read, “Dear President Trump, 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, and my prayer is that in the coming years will be a time of prosperity, peace, and grace for our nation.” He concluded with a blessing: “May God bless you and guide you as He has blessed and guided our beloved country since our founding.”
The letter, dated January 20, is part of the tradition where outgoing presidents leave a note for their successor.
The moment when Trump discovered the letter, captured on video, went viral. Trump revealed he only checked the drawer for the note after Doocy suggested he do so, joking, “It could have been years before we found this,” to which Doocy replied, “I’m happy to help.”
Although Trump did not share the full contents of the letter on camera, he later described it as “a very nice letter” and said it had an “inspirational” tone. He added, “Enjoy it, do a good job. Important, very important. How important the job is.”
