The tradition of outgoing US presidents leaving a letter for their successor began with Ronald Reagan, who left a note for George H.W. Bush in 1989. Reagan’s simple message, ”I’ll miss our Thursday lunches,” set the stage for a ritual of goodwill and advice passed between presidents, regardless of political affiliation. This practice has been upheld by every president since, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of power that is a hallmark of American democracy.
George H.W. Bush, in turn, left a letter for Bill Clinton, wishing him ”great happiness” and encouraging him to stay the course despite inevitable criticism. This set a precedent for the content of these letters, which have often been made public. They typically contain messages of congratulations, well wishes, and reflections on the unique challenges and responsibilities of the presidency. The tradition underscores the shared experience of holding the highest office in the land, transcending partisan divides.
The public nature of most of these letters provides a glimpse into the private thoughts and feelings of presidents as they leave office. They offer a sense of continuity and shared purpose, even amidst political differences. The letters often contain reflections on the weight of the office, the importance of national unity, and the hope for the country’s future. They serve as a reminder that the presidency is larger than any one individual, and that the peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of American democracy.
However, the tradition took an unusual turn with Donald Trump. Despite his reluctant departure and absence from Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021, Trump did leave a letter for his successor. While Trump has claimed it was a ”nice letter” that he spent considerable time crafting, the content remains undisclosed. Biden reportedly shared the letter with some aides, describing it as ”long and handwritten,” but details have not been leaked. This secrecy surrounding Trump’s letter adds a layer of intrigue to the tradition, raising questions about the tone and content of his message to his successor.
Interestingly, Biden described the letter as “very generous,” expressing surprise at the amicable tone from his bitter rival. This adds another dimension to the story, highlighting the potential for unexpected grace and civility even in the most polarized political climate. This unusual situation positions Biden as the first president since Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century to potentially write a letter to the same president who wrote one to him. As Cleveland’s presidency predates the letter-writing tradition, this circumstance is unique in modern American history.
Now, Joe Biden faces the unique situation of reciprocating this gesture, writing a letter to the same president who penned one for him. Whether he chooses to uphold the tradition and what he might say to Trump remains to be seen. The White House has indicated that the decision and content of any such letter are entirely up to President Biden. This leaves open the possibility of another intriguing chapter in the evolving tradition of presidential handover letters. The potential content of Biden’s letter to Trump is a subject of speculation, given their complex relationship and the unprecedented nature of this reciprocal exchange. It will be interesting to observe whether Biden’s letter, if made public, adheres to the generally positive tone of past letters or reflects the more contentious aspects of their political rivalry.
