Biden, in Letter to Trump, Says He’s Praying for Him: ‘May God Bless You’

Former President Joe Biden told President Donald Trump that he is praying for him as part of a letter the outgoing chief executive left in the Oval Office desk the day of the inauguration. Every President since Ronald Reagan in 1989 has left a letter to his predecessor, typically offering words of encouragement for a job that few individuals experience. Each note is handwritten.

"Dear President Trump," the letter begins. "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 1-20-25."

Biden's letter is unique in U.S. history. Never had a president left a note to an incoming president who also had previously left him a letter. In January 2021, Biden revealed that Trump had left him a letter in the Oval Office desk. Its contents have never been disclosed. 

With the exception of Trump's letter to Biden, all other letters have been released. 

Former President Barack Obama wrote to Trump in January 2017, "Congratulations on a remarkable run. Millions have placed their hopes in you, and all of us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure."

Obama's letter offered advice.

"We are just temporary occupants of this office," Obama wrote. "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."

Former President George W. Bush, in January 2009, wrote to Obama, "There will be trying moments. 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. No matter what comes, you will be inspired by the character and compassion of the people you now lead."

In January 2001, outgoing President Bill Clinton told Bush: "You lead a proud, decent, good people. And from this day, you are President of all of us. I salute you and wish you success and much happiness. The burdens you now shoulder are great but often exaggerated. The sheer joy of doing what you believe is right is inexpressible. My prayers are with you and your family. Godspeed."

Bush's father, former President George H.W. Bush, wrote to Clinton in January 1993, "I wish you great happiness here. 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. I'm not a very good one to give advice; but just don't let the critics discourage you or push you off course. You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well. Your success now is our country's success. I am rooting hard for you."

Reagan began the tradition in January 1989 when he penned a letter for the elder Bush, who had served as his vice president. Reagan's letter was written on whimsical stationery featuring a drawing of turkeys perched on an elephant, accompanied by the playful header: "Don't let the turkeys get you down."

"I treasure the memories we share, and I wish you all the very best," Reagan wrote. "You'll be in my prayers. God bless you & Barbara. I'll miss our Thursday lunches. Ron."

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Pool/Pool

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Originally published January 23, 2025.