US President Donald Trump’s first term saw him project an image of a mercurial, un-orthodox president who brought in rather curious way of governance to say the least. He did not always conform to political traditions and he almost started his second term by skipping a decades-old political tradition in the US.
An outgoing president writes a letter to the incoming president personally. This, often handwritten letter is kept on the famous Resolute Desk in the Oval Office or one of its drawers. This is seen as part of ‘passing the torch’. The letter is for the president’s eye only. It may contain a personal message, a tip on governance, an advice on a major international issue or just a general heads-up. It is the discretion of the outgoing president what he wants to write and what he wants to convey to the new one as, irrespective of political parties, US president is leader of all Americans and a pivotal figure globally.
Trump, almost forgot to read the letter from Biden.
On his very first day in office, Trump signed a series of executive orders taking sweeping decisions on variety of matters.
A journalist asked Trump, still seated at the Resolute Desk, if he found letter from Biden in the drawer.
Trump hadn’t checked.
He opened the drawer after the journalist asked and found the letter.
“Thank you very much. I may not have seen this for months,” said Trump to journalist.
“Happy to help with the passing of the torch,” the journalist replied.
Trump showed the envelope to those present, the number 47 was written on it. Trump has become 47th President of The USA.
“Maybe we should all read it together. Well, maybe I’ll read it first and then make that determination,” Trump joked with the letter still in hand.
He said, he had left a letter for Biden too when he won the US Presidential Election 2020.
The Tradition
The tradition of leaving a letter for incoming president was started by former US president Ronald Reagan. He left a note for his successor George HW Bush who in turn left a note for Bill Clinton.
The tradition has continued till date.
