The contents of the letter President Obama wrote giving advice to President Trump have now been revealed.
On Sunday, CNN released the letter President Obama was seen slipping into a drawer in the Resolute desk in the Oval Office during some of his last moments of his presidency.
‘Congratulations on a remarkable run,’ Obama wrote. ‘Millions have placed their hopes in you, and all of us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure.’
President Obama was seen by reporters putting the letter for President Trump into the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office on January 20, 2017
Two days later President Trump held the letter up for all to see, though said he wouldn’t let the reporters in the room know what advice President Obama had given to him
A zoomed in shot shows that President Obama had addressed the letter to President Trump ‘Mr. President’
President Obama was photographed in the Oval Office on his last day in office on January 20, 2017
Obama described the office as ‘unique’ and ‘without a clear blueprint for success.’
‘So I don’t know that any advice from me will be particularly helpful,’ he continued.
But then articulated some of the lessons he had learned over the past eight years.
‘First, we’ve both been blessed, in different ways, with great good fortune,’ Obama wrote. ‘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,’ he continued.
‘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,’ Obama added.
On a more personal note, Obama advised that during the ‘rush of events and responsibilities,’ to take time for friends and family.
‘They’ll get you through the inevitable rough patches,’ Obama said.
‘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,’ Obama said at the end of the letter, signing it with his initials ‘B.O.’
Two days after inauguration, the newly-sworn in President Trump taunted reporters with the letter.
‘I just went to the Oval Office and found this beautiful letter from President Obama. It was really very nice of him to do that and we will cherish that, we will keep that and we won’t even tell the press what’s in that letter,’ Trump said holding up the piece of paper.
CNN reported that Trump has since shown the letter to Oval Office visitors.
Presidents leaving a letter for their successor has become a presidential tradition.
President George W. Bush congratulated Obama before his inauguration in 2009.
‘You have just begun a fantastic chapter in your life,’ Bush wrote optimistically.
Though he warned about the trials the presidency has to offer as well.
‘The critics will rage. Your “friends” will disappoint you. But, you will have an Almighty God to comfort you, a family who loves you, and a country that is pulling for you, including me,’ Bush said.
Eight year before, Bush received a letter from President Bill Clinton.
‘Today you embark on the greatest venture, with the greatest honor, that can come to an American citizen,’ Clinton penned to Bush in January 2001.
‘The burdens you now shoulder are great but often exaggerated,’ he also added.
And eight years before that, President George H.W. Bush, who was beaten by Clinton when running for a second term, offered words to his political rival as well.
‘When I walked into this office just now I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too,’ Bush said.
‘I wish you great happiness here,’ Bush continued. ‘I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described.’
‘There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair,’ Bush described. ‘I’m not a very good one to give advice; but just don’t let the critics discourage you or push you off course.’
Bush noted that Clinton would be ‘our President’ by the time he read the note.
‘Your success now is our country’s success,’ Bush said. ‘I am rooting hard for you.’
And he signed off as ‘George.’