The contents of a personal letter that former President Barack Obama left in the Oval Office for President Donald Trump have finally been revealed — and the points contained within are fascinating.
The note, which mostly focuses on the political elements of the presidential position, wishes Trump luck as commander-in-chief and congratulates him on a “remarkable run.” It also opens by acknowledging the great fortune that both Trump and Obama have had in their lives, using it to appeal to Trump to “build … ladders of success” for all Americans.
“We’ve both been blessed, in different ways, with great good fortune. Not everyone is so lucky,” Obama said. “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.”
The text also touches on the importance of sustaining “international order,” with Obama writing that America’s “wealth and safety” depend on such order. But Obama didn’t just touch on what’s happening globally; he also reminded Trump about the importance of remembering the separation of powers within the U.S. government.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Obama’s final point of advice, though, wasn’t about politics at all and instead focused on Trump’s personal life, as he implored the incoming president to “take time … for friends and family,” as he said they would help get him through rough patches.
See the full text of the letter — which was published by CNN — below:
Dear Mr. 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
Neither Obama nor Trump have publicly revealed the contents of the letter, though Trump has mentioned it in the past and has reportedly shown it to some visitors at the White House. One of those visitors reportedly handed the note off to CNN.