Cameras captured the moment a surprised Donald Trump found a letter left for him by former President Joe Biden as he returned to the Oval Office.
On Monday (January 20), 78-year-old Trump took the oath of office and returned to the White House as the 47th President of the United States.
In his inaugral address, Trump declared: “The golden age of America begins right now.
“From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected.”
He would then go on to announce the changes his administration would bring to the nation under his presidency – changes he initiated within hours as he signed a number of monumental executive orders.
READ MORE: All Of Trump’s Major Orders Signed Within His First Hours Of Presidency
For example, President Trump announced that the United States will officially recognize only “two sexes, male and female”. Additionally, he has ended all “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) initiatives within the federal government.
On top of this, Trump issued pardons for nearly 1,600 individuals who were arrested for their involvement in the 2021 Jan 6 Capitol riot.
However, while signing these executive orders in front of reporters, Trump made a discovery in the Resolute Desk while in the Oval Office.
While Trump was literally putting pen to paper, a reporter named Peter can be heard asking him: “President Trump, did President Biden leave you a letter?”
Trump decided to check the desk drawer, saying, “He may have.”
“Don’t they leave it in the desk? I don’t know,” Trump remarked after a brief pause.
After opening the drawer, Trump found a surprise: a white envelope marked with the number “47,” symbolizing the 47th US President. “It could have been years before we found this thing,” Trump added.
Holding it up for the cameras, Trump exclaimed, “Ohhh.”
At first, Trump suggested the room read the letter together, saying, “Maybe we should all read it together.” Moments later, he reconsidered, adding, “Well, maybe I’ll read it first and then make that determination.”
When asked if he had left a note for Biden, Trump confirmed that he had, saying he left it in the desk “just like Biden.”
As of this writing, it is not known what Biden wrote to Trump.
The tradition dates back to 1989, when President Ronald Reagan left a lighthearted note for his successor, George H.W. Bush. Reagan’s message, written on an illustration of an elephant surrounded by turkeys, read, “Don’t let the turkeys get you down.” Since then, outgoing presidents have continued the custom, often leaving notes that mix personal reflections, encouragement, and advice on the responsibilities of the presidency.
During Trump’s first presidency, he was left a letter by outgoing President Barack Obama.
In that letter, Obama wrote: “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.”
“This is a unique office, without a clear blueprint for success, so I don’t know that any advice from me will be particularly helpful. Still, let me offer a few reflections from the past 8 years.”
It continued: “First, we’ve both been blessed, in different ways, with great good fortune. 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.”
“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.
“And finally, take time, in the rush of events and responsibilities, for friends and family. They’ll get you through the inevitable rough patches.
“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.”
