Obama’s Inaugural Note to Trump Released

Former President urged Trump to safeguard the nation's "democratic institutions and traditions."

By Al Perrotta Published on September 4, 2017

It’s become tradition for Presidents since George H. W. Bush to leave a private little note in the Oval Office for their successor come Inauguration Day. Former President Barack Obama’s note to President Trump was revealed Sunday by CNN.

The 275-word letter slipped into the Resolute Desk is roughly twice as long as any of the previous notes. Beyond offering congratulations and the advice to make time for plenty of family time, Obama used the opportunity to lecture Trump.

First, he reminded the billionaire that not everyone is so lucky as to have their good fortune. “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, Obama said American leadership in the world is indispensible. “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, Obama reminded Trump that presidents are guardians of the nation’s democratic institutions and traditions “like rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties. It’s up to us to leave those instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we found them.”

According to CNN, the newly sworn-in Trump enjoyed the letter so much he tried calling Obama, but the former President was already on his way to California. “It was long. It was complex. It was thoughtful,” Trump told ABC News a week after taking office. “And it took time to do it, and I appreciated it.”

The two never connected and have not spoken since.

The Earlier Letters

President George W. Bush stressed to Obama the importance of relying on God. “There will be trying moments. The critics will rage. Your ‘friends’ will disappoint you,” Bush wrote. “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.”

Even in the wake of an impeachment ordeal and eight roller coaster years, Bill Clinton could not help but express his exuberance for the gig. “The burdens you now shoulder are great but often exaggerated,” he told Bush. “The sheer joy of doing what you believe is right is inexpressible.”

Bush’s father George H. W. Bush was still recovering from his bruising 1992 defeat when he offered words that would prove prescient: “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.” He ended with “Your success now is our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you.”

Indeed, whatever hard feelings may have existed between Bush and Clinton they would eventually dissolve, with the elder Bush becoming almost a father figure to his former rival.

Will Obama and Trump develop a friendship as members of that exclusive fraternity of American presidents? The Bush-Clinton example (and a shared love of golf) does offer some hope.

Obama’s Full Letter

Here is President Barack Obama’s full letter to President Donald Trump:

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

 

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