WASHINGTON — A notable tradition among U.S. presidents began when Ronald Reagan penned a note to his successor, George H.W. Bush, leaving it in the Oval Office’s desk drawer. Following Reagan’s lead, Bush did the same for Bill Clinton, who then wrote a letter to Bush’s son, George W. Bush. The younger Bush continued this custom by leaving a note for Barack Obama, who, despite the contentious atmosphere, reciprocated with a letter to Donald Trump. Trump, who bypassed several traditional presidential customs, chose to continue the practice by writing to Joe Biden, even as he did not attend Biden’s inauguration.
This unfolding narrative places President Biden in a distinctive circumstance, where he may opt to send a letter back to Trump—the predecessor who formally communicated with him. Mark Updegrove, president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation, pointed out that it is unprecedented for a current president to write to a former president with whom he previously exchanged notes. As Trump prepares to take office for a unique second, nonconsecutive term, it adds a layer of intrigue to this presidential correspondence.
The tradition of note-writing began with Reagan, who was driven by camaraderie after eight years of working alongside Bush. Reagan selected whimsical stationery featuring an illustration by cartoonist Sandra Boynton, depicting an elephant and turkeys, accompanied by the saying, “Don’t let the turkeys get you down.” In his note, dated January 1989, Reagan expressed warmth for their shared experiences, wishing Bush all the best and remarking on how he would miss their Thursday lunches, signing it simply, “Ron.”
The tradition gained further significance when George H.W. Bush left a note for Bill Clinton after his single term, wishing him “great happiness” in the White House while also cautioning him about the challenges that lay ahead. Bush’s message urged Clinton to remain focused and assured him that the nation’s success depended on his own success.
During his own rotation in office, Clinton told George W. Bush that taking on the presidency was a remarkable adventure and expressed his hopes for Bush’s joy and triumphs during his term. He noted that the responsibilities he faced were significant but sometimes overstated.
After two terms, George W. Bush offered wisdom to Barack Obama, acknowledging the hurdles and criticism Obama would encounter. He reminded him of the support he would have from family and a nation wishing him well. Obama, in turn, congratulated Trump after the latter’s election, reflecting on their shared roles as stewards of American democracy while conveying hope for the nation during Trump’s leadership.
As for Trump’s note to Biden, few details have emerged. Biden has only shared glimpses of its content with select staff members after being inaugurated in 2021, calling it a “very generous letter.” Trump himself remarked on the thoughtfulness of his words, indicating he took time to compose it. Biden, however, has maintained that the letter should remain a personal exchange until he speaks to Trump directly about it.
When it comes to whether Biden will write back, expectations lean toward him doing so given his appreciation for political customs. Still, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre indicated that Biden’s choice remains uncertain. The concept of continued letter correspondence isn’t obligatory but rather exists due to precedents set by previous leaders.
While past presidents have communicated with successors in written form, their correspondence often focused on practical matters rather than warm congratulations. For instance, John Adams wrote a pragmatic letter to Thomas Jefferson detailing the logistics of horse and carriage use during the presidency, showcasing a different style of pre-inaugural communication.
This evolving tradition among presidents highlights the unique relationships and the respect for the office that persists, regardless of political differences. As this cycle of note-writing continues, it reflects both the challenges and camaraderie that can exist in American political life.
