Former President Donald Trump unveiled the contents of the letter left for him by President Joe Biden, marking a moment steeped in tradition and significance.

The letter, addressed to “Dear President Trump,” was discovered inside the iconic Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, a location known for its symbolism of leadership and authority, as reported by Fox News.

President Donald Trump’s inauguration at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.

Trump, speaking exclusively to Fox News, shared the details of the note on Wednesday. The letter, dated January 20, 2025, and signed by Joe Biden, carried a tone of goodwill and spiritual guidance. It read:

“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.

May God bless you and guide you as He has blessed and guided our beloved country since our founding.”

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The letter was discovered thanks to a prompt from Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy, who inquired whether Biden had left a note for Trump. Trump, initially unsure, searched the desk and found the envelope addressed to “47.”

“Thank you, Peter. It could have been years before we found this thing,” Trump quipped, showing his characteristic humor.

Apr 30, 2022; Washington, DC, USA; Steve and Peter Doocy arrive at the White House Correspondents Association annual dinner at the Washington Hilton. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

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When questioned about the letter the following day, Trump described it as “a very nice letter” with an inspirational tone.

“Enjoy it, do a good job. Important, very important. How important the job is,” Trump summarized, adding, “I appreciated the letter.”

The act of leaving a note for one’s successor began in 1989 when Ronald Reagan penned a letter to George H.W. Bush. Since then, each president has continued the tradition, a rare bipartisan gesture in the high-stakes world of politics.

What makes this letter unique is Biden’s position. He became the first president to write a letter to someone who had previously left him a note—an unprecedented occurrence made possible by Trump’s historic nonconsecutive terms, a feat not seen since Grover Cleveland in the 1800s.

Trump, in a moment of transparency, shared Biden’s note with the public, a move that contrasts with Biden’s decision to keep Trump’s letter to him private.

Biden had previously called Trump’s note “very generous” but declined to share its content, emphasizing its personal nature.

While the tradition of leaving a letter is often seen as a bridge between administrations, it also serves as a reminder of the weight of the presidency.

Biden’s note, with its invocation of divine guidance, nods to the enduring values that transcend political divides, even in an era of deep polarization.

Jan 20, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; President-elect Donald J. Trump and President Joe Biden attend inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States takes place inside the Capitol Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., Monday, January 20, 2025. It is the 60th U.S. presidential inauguration and the second non-consecutive inauguration of Trump as U.S. president. Mandatory Credit: Kenny Holston-Pool via Imagn Images

For Trump supporters, the letter stands as a testament to the respect the office commands, even when ideological differences run deep. For critics, it’s a rare glimpse into the human side of politics.

As the 47th president settles into his second term, the letter underscores the importance of continuity, respect, and the solemn duty of leadership—values that resonate, regardless of political leanings.