Joe Biden will remain the President of the United States until noon (Washington time) on January 20, 2025, as established by the U.S. Constitution. On his final morning in the White House, located in the West Wing, which houses the administrative offices of the presidency, the Democrat is expected to follow a tradition that has become a symbol of political transition in the United States: the transition letter left for the successor. This gesture, seemingly simple, carries with it a long history of good political practices, marked by a personal touch and a reflection on the challenges and responsibilities of leading the most powerful country in the world.

The transition letter is, in essence, a handwritten message, usually on White House stationery, intended to wish success and good luck to the new president. On some occasions, the content includes advice or words of wisdom for the incoming leader. Although the nature of this letter is informal, it holds profound symbolic meaning: it is a recognition of the weight of the presidential responsibility and a way of conveying the continuity of democracy, regardless of partisan divisions. The letter is left on the “Resolute” desk, an iconic piece of furniture in the Oval Office, considered the heart of executive power in the United States.

The “Resolute” desk has a history dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria of England, who presented it to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880. Since then, it has become a symbol of the American presidency, serving as a place for historic decisions but also, as in the case of the transition letters, as a space for symbolic gestures of power transfer. The practice of leaving the letter on this specific desk, visible to the new president, reflects the continuity and stability of American politics, where each transition of power is part of an unbroken democratic cycle, regardless of party changes.

The origin of the tradition of transition letters remains a topic of debate among historians. Although the practice intensified in recent decades, it is believed that the tradition began at the end of President Ronald Reagan’s term in 1989. He was the first to write a letter to his successor, George H.W. Bush, his vice president. Reagan’s letter was written in a relaxed and personal manner, expressing his longing for the shared lunches with Bush and acknowledging the importance of the role Bush was about to assume. This gesture was widely appreciated, and from then on, other presidents followed suit, making the transition letter an expected part of the change of government.

Over the years, each president who succeeded Reagan added their own personal touch to the gesture. George H.W. Bush, upon leaving office in 1993, wrote a message to the newly elected Bill Clinton, wishing him luck and happiness in his new role. In his letter, Bush also commented on the challenges Clinton would face, reminding him not to be discouraged by critics. Bill Clinton, in turn, followed the tradition and wrote a letter to George W. Bush, the son of his predecessor. In this message, Clinton expressed his hope that Bush would succeed and emphasized the importance of compassionate leadership, regardless of political differences.

When George W. Bush left the White House in 2009, he too followed the tradition and wrote a letter to his successor, Barack Obama. Bush’s message was marked by an encouraging tone, emphasizing the difficult times Obama would face and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, despite the inevitable criticisms and adversities. George W. Bush, who knew from experience the weight of the presidency, offered valuable advice on how to navigate the highs and lows of the office. Obama then followed the example of his predecessors and left a letter for Donald Trump when he assumed office in 2017. In his letter, Obama congratulated Trump on his victory and expressed his hope that the country would prosper under his leadership. Obama also emphasized the importance of leaving space for family and friends, acknowledging that, in times of adversity, they would be crucial in maintaining the president’s emotional balance.

Donald Trump, in turn, also followed the tradition by leaving a letter for Joe Biden when he left the presidency in 2021. While Trump described the message as “generous,” the content of the letter was never revealed to the public, sparking speculation about what had actually been said. The lack of disclosure of the letter’s content adds a certain mystery to the exchange of messages between presidents, but the practice itself remains a symbol of respect for democracy and the institutional continuity of the United States.]

Here is the full text of some of the letters left between U.S. presidents:

Bill Clinton to George W. Bush:
“Dear George,
Today you embark on the greatest adventure, with the greatest honor, that can happen to an American citizen.
Like me, you are especially fortunate to lead our country at a time of profound and largely positive change, when old issues—not only about the role of government but also about the very nature of our nation—must be answered again.
You lead a proud, decent, and good people. And from this day forward, you are the President of all of us. I salute you and wish you success and much happiness.
The burdens you now carry are great, but often exaggerated. The pure joy of doing what you believe is right is inexpressible.
My prayers are with you and your family. Good luck.
Sincerely,
Bill”

George W. Bush to Barack Obama:
“Dear Barack,
Congratulations on becoming our President. You have just begun a fantastic chapter in your life.
Few people have had the honor of knowing the responsibility you feel now. Few know the emotion of the moment and the challenges you will face.
There will be difficult times. Critics will be furious. Your ‘friends’ will disappoint you. But you will have a Loving God to comfort you, a family that loves you, and a country rooting for you, including me. No matter what happens, you will be inspired by the character and compassion of the people you now lead.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
GW”

These letters, though simple in form, represent more than words on a piece of paper. They are a symbolic transition and a demonstration of the American democratic spirit, where the leadership of the country is a continuous process, marked by the exchange of responsibilities and mutual respect between those who, for a period, hold the highest office in government. The tradition of transition letters reflects the trust in the next leader’s ability to face the challenges ahead and the continuity of commitment to the values that uphold American democracy.