Joe Biden's 'inspirational' outgoing letter to Donald Trump revealed

WASHINGTON ― Former President Joe Biden told President Donald Trump "may God bless you and guide you" in a letter he left in the Resolute Desk of the Oval Office before his exit.

The White House confirmed the contents of the note, first reported by Fox News.

The full letter, which was signed by Biden and dated Jan. 20, 2025, reads:

"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. 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."

Joe Biden

Biden's gesture follows a 36-year tradition of an outgoing president leaving a letter for their successor to find.

Trump pulled open a desk drawer and revealed the letter Monday night when a reporter asked whether Biden left a note. The exchange came as Trump was signing executive orders from the Oval Office after he was sworn in as the 47th president earlier in the day.

More: Trump discovers letter from Biden in Oval Office desk

"It could have been years before we found this thing," Trump said as he held up the letter with a handwritten number "47" on the outside envelope.

On Tuesday, Trump said he appreciated the note from Biden, describing it as a "a very nice letter."

"It was a little bit of an inspirational-type letter. Enjoy it, do a good job. Important, very important. How important the job is," Trump said.

Trump also left a letter for Biden in 2021 following Trump's first term in office, though its contents were never revealed.

Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Read what Joe Biden wrote in letter to Donald Trump