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Biden May Write Historic Note to Trump, Marking First Instance of Such Exchange

Jan 18, 2025, 04:45 PM

President Joe Biden faces a unique situation as he considers whether to continue the tradition of leaving a letter in the Oval Office desk for his successor, Donald Trump, who also left a note for Biden when he departed the presidency. This would mark the first instance in history where a president writes a letter to the same individual who previously left a note for them. The tradition, initiated by Ronald Reagan in 1989, has been upheld by every president since, symbolizing a peaceful transition of power. Trump, despite breaking many presidential norms, continued this tradition in 2021 by leaving a handwritten note for Biden, which Biden described as 'very generous' but kept private. As Trump prepares to return to the White House as the 47th president, the decision on whether Biden will leave a note remains open, with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre indicating that the choice is entirely Biden's. Mark Updegrove, president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation, highlighted the historical significance of this potential exchange, noting that Trump will be the first president to serve nonconsecutive terms since Grover Cleveland.