What Obama wrote to Trump when he took office.
On Sunday, CNN revealed the contents of the parting letter Barack Obama wrote to Donald Trump on the day of his inauguration as the 44th president on Jan 20.
Obama was seen slipping the letter into a drawer in the Resolute desk in the Oval Office during some of his last moments of his presidency.
Two days later, President Trump held the letter up for all to see but would not let reporters know what advice Obama had given to him. He has since shown the letter to Oval Office visitors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6Zaej0KsbY
Presidents leaving a letter for their successor has become a presidential tradition. And here is what Obama wrote to Trump:
Dear Mr. President,
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.
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.
Good luck and Godspeed,
BO