We are just temporary occupants of this office
When U.S. Presidents write to their successors
On this day in 1989, Ronald Reagan sat down to write a letter that would spark a lasting and significant tradition among U.S. Presidents. Left on the iconic Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, Reagan’s note to his successor, George H. W. Bush, was the first in a series of transition letters to be written every time a new leader took office—a heartening ritual that has become a poignant symbol of the peaceful transfer of power.
Below are all-but-one of those letters, beginning with the note that started it all.
1989: Ronald Reagan to George H. W. Bush
Don’t let the turkeys get you down.
Dear George:
You’ll have moments when you want to use this particular stationery. Well go to it.
George, I treasure the memories we share and wish you all the very best. You’ll be in my prayers. God bless you & Barbara. I’ll miss our Thursday lunches.
Ron
1993: George H. W. Bush to Bill Clinton
Jan 20, 1993
Dear Bill,
When I walked into this office just now I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too.
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.
Good luck—
George
2001: Bill Clinton to George W. Bush
January 20, 2001
Dear George,
Today you embark on the greatest venture, with the greatest honor, that can come to an American citizen.
Like me, you are especially fortunate to lead our country in a time of profound and largely positive change, when old questions, not just about the role of government, but about the very nature of our nation, must be answered anew.
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.
Sincerely,
Bill
2009: George W. Bush to Barack Obama
Jan 20, 2009
Dear Barack,
Congratulations on becoming our President. You have just begun a fantastic chapter in your life.
Very few have had the honor of knowing the responsibility you now feel. Very few know the excitement of the moment and the challenges you will face.
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.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
GW
2017: Barack Obama to Donald J. Trump
January 20, 2017
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
2021: Donald J. Trump to Joe Biden
Although Trump did leave a note for his successor, its contents have never been published. Biden has since said, however, that Trump’s message was “shockingly gracious.”
Only Obama didn’t address his successor by first name. Probably made him too ill to put to paper, let alone say outloud.
Interestingly, Obama’s letter anticipates issues that Trump clearly did not understand, like “separation of powers” and “the rule of law.”