Read The Inauguration Day Letter Obama Left For Trump That He Called ‘Beautiful’

On Inauguration Day, President Barack Obama folded into thirds a handwritten letter to Donald Trump, slid it into an envelope that was addressed to “Mr. President,” and put in a drawer of the desk in the Oval Office. CNN has obtained a copy of the hopeful and insightful letter that the former President left for the incoming 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

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CNN said they had obtained a copy of the letter from someone who was shown the letter by Trump, and CNN added that the President occasionally shows it to visitors at the White House. President Trump told ABC News that the letter was “beautiful,” “so well-written,” and “so thoughtful.” Adding, “I doubt too many of them were written in this manner.”

Trump called the former President to express his gratitude, but Obama was traveling to California and couldn’t take the call. An aide of Obama returned the call later and Trump’s staff relayed the message that the new President wanted to say thank you for the note.

You can read the letter that George H.W. Bush left for Bill Clinton on January 20, 1993 HERE and the letter that George W. Bush left for Obama HERE.