Trump Finds Biden’s Letter in the Resolute Desk on Inauguration Day
On January 20, 2025—his first day back in the Oval Office—President Donald Trump came across a letter left by former President Joe Biden. The note was discovered inside a drawer of the Resolute Desk after a journalist asked Trump whether Biden had written him a message, prompting the president to look.
An Envelope Marked “47”
After locating the envelope, Trump held it up for the cameras. It was addressed to “47,” a nod to his role as the 47th President of the United States. In a joking moment, he remarked that they might read it together, but ultimately chose not to open it on the spot. Instead, he set it aside and said he would read it privately later.
A Long-Standing Presidential Tradition
Leaving a personal letter for an incoming president is a modern White House custom that began in 1989, when Ronald Reagan wrote a warm, humorous note to George H.W. Bush. Even during politically tense transitions, this tradition has continued as a small but meaningful gesture that reflects goodwill, stability, and the continuity of the U.S. presidency. By leaving a note for Trump, Biden carried on that bipartisan practice.
What These Letters Usually Contain
The contents of Biden’s message have not been made public. However, presidential transition letters typically include:
- Personal reflections on the office
- Practical advice for leading the country
- Encouragement for the responsibilities ahead
Biden previously described the letter he received from Trump in 2021 as “very generous,” underscoring that these notes often remain personal and respectful regardless of public political divisions.
Continuity Amid Political Change
This moment highlights an enduring part of American presidential tradition: the effort to preserve respect and institutional continuity during a change in leadership, even when the broader political atmosphere is contentious.
