New President Joe Biden also received a note from his predecessor, Donald Trump, according to a person familiar with the matter. The contents of the note were not made available immediately on the opening day of 2021.
Ronald Reagan for George HW Bush
(On stationery that says “Don’t let the turkeys get you down” with an illustration of an elephant surrounded by turkeys
Dear George,
You will have moments when you want to use this specific stationary. Well, go ahead.
George, I keep the memories we shared and I wish you all the best. You will be in my prayers. God bless you and Barbara. I’m going to miss our Thursday lunches.
Ron
George HW Bush to Bill Clinton
Dear Bill,
When I first entered this office, I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel it too.
I wish you much happiness here. I never felt the loneliness that some presidents described.
There will be very difficult times, made even more difficult by criticisms that you may think are not fair. I am not very good at giving advice; but don’t let 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 the best.
Your success now is the success of our country. I’m rooting for you a lot.
Good luck —
George
Bill Clinton to George W. Bush
Dear George,
Today you embark on the greatest enterprise, with the greatest honor, that can come to an American citizen.
Like me, you are particularly fortunate to lead our country in a time of profound and largely positive changes, when old questions, not just about the role of government, but about the very nature of our nation, must be answered again.
You lead a proud, decent and good people. And from today you are the president of all of us. I greet you and wish you much success and happiness.
The burdens you assume now are large, but often exaggerated. The sheer joy of doing what you believe is right is inexpressible.
My prayers are with you and your family. Good Luck Go with God.
Regards,
Account
George W. Bush for Barack Obama
Dear Barack,
Congratulations on becoming our president. You have just started a fantastic chapter in your life.
Very few have had the honor of knowing the responsibility that you now feel. Very few know the emotion of the moment and the challenges you will face.
There will be difficult times. Critics will be furious. Your “friends” will disappoint you. But, you will have an Almighty God to comfort you, a family that loves you and a country that is rooting for you, including me. No matter what happens, you will be inspired by the character and compassion of the people you lead now.
God bless you. Regards,
GW
Barack Obama to Donald Trump
Dear Mr. President –
Congratulations on the remarkable race. Millions of people have pinned their hopes on you, and all of us, regardless of the party, must hope for greater prosperity and security during your tenure.
This is a unique office, without a clear plan for success, so I don’t know if any advice from me will be particularly useful. Still, let me offer some thoughts on the past 8 years.
First, we were both blessed, in different ways, with great luck. Not everyone is so lucky. It is up to us to do everything we can (to) build more stairs of success for each child and family that is willing to work hard.
Second, American leadership in this world is really indispensable. It is up to us, through action and example, to sustain the international order that has been expanding continuously since the end of the Cold War and on which our own wealth and security depend.
Third, we are only temporary occupants of this position. This makes us guardians of democratic institutions and traditions – such as the rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties – for which our ancestors fought and bled. Regardless of the pressures and pulls of daily politics, it is up to us to make these instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we find them.
And finally, set aside time, in the rush of events and responsibilities, for friends and family. They will help you to overcome the inevitable obstacles.
Michelle and I wish you and Melania the best on this great adventure, and we know that we are ready to help in any way we can.
Good luck and good speed,
BO