Joe Biden’s letter to Donald Trump revealed after handover of power
Joe Biden’s private letter to his bitter foe has been revealed after he handed power to Donald Trump earlier this week.
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The now-former US president’s traditional letter to his successor has been revealed after Joe Biden handed power to Donald Trump earlier this week.
The leaving of personal letters between presidents has been one of those rare heartwarming, bipartisan habits in US politics for decades.
This latest one, which Mr Trump found in the White House’s Oval Office, was obtained and read out in full by Fox News political correspondent Peter Doocy.
“We can report now for the first time anywhere in the world this history-making text of what it said on the inside,” Mr Doocy told the network’s viewers.
“The letterhead was of Joseph R. Biden Jr., it said President of the United States, and his cursive handwriting that I reviewed was difficult to read at times, but this is what I got from the letter.”
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He proceeded to read it aloud.
“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,” Mr Biden wrote.
“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 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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Mr Doocy said he had spoken to Mr Trump, who’d been “ready to share the contents” of Mr Biden’s letter to him.
“We heard him, last night, describe it as inspirational. And we can confirm the President’s assessment. It is an inspirational, forward-looking well wish, and quite possibly the only time that they will exchange letters ever again.”
Yes it is rather hard to imagine the pair becoming regular pen pals, isn’t it?
We should mention that Mr Trump, despite his refusal to concede the 2020 election to Mr Biden and, indeed, his attempts to remain in power, did also leave a letter.
Mr Biden described the letter as “very generous” but said that he’d keep it “private”.
In 2017, the author was outgoing president Barack Obama, and its recipient was once again Mr Trump - an especially awkward situation, given Mr Trump’s previous, leading role in spreading the “birther” conspiracy theory, which falsely suggested Mr Obama had been born overseas and was therefore ineligible for office (he was born in the US state Hawaii).
“Congratulations on a remarkable run. Millions have placed their hopes in you, and all of us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure,” Mr Obama wrote in his letter.
“This is a unique office, without a clear blueprint for success, so I don’t know that any advice from me will be particularly helpful. Still, let me offer a few reflections from the past eight years.
“First, we’ve both been blessed, in different ways, with great good fortune. Not everyone is so lucky. It’s up to us to do everything we can (to) build more ladders of success for every child and family that’s willing to work hard.
“Second, American leadership in this world really is indispensable. It’s up to us, through action and example, to sustain the international order that’s expanded steadily since the end of the Cold War, and upon which our own wealth and safety depend.
“Third, we are just temporary occupants of this office. That makes us guardians of those democratic institutions and traditions — like rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties — that our forebears fought and bled for.
“Regardless of the push and pull of daily politics, it’s up to us to leave those instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we found them.
“And finally, take time, in the rush of events and responsibilities, for friends and family. They’ll get you through the inevitable rough patches.
“Michelle and I wish you and Melania the very best as you embark on this great adventure, and know that we stand ready to help in any ways which we can.”
Mr Trump described Mr Obama’s words as “thoughtful”, and said he “appreciated” the time that had been spent on them.
Originally published as Joe Biden’s letter to Donald Trump revealed after handover of power
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