WASHINGTON ― Before leaving office, former President Joe Biden wrote to President Donald Trump, saying “may God bless you and guide you,” in a note he placed inside the Resolute Desk.

The White House has confirmed the details of the letter, which Fox News first reported.

The complete letter, which was signed and dated Jan. 20, 2025, states the following:

Biden’s action is part of a longstanding 36-year practice where outgoing presidents write a letter for their successors to discover.

On Monday night, Trump opened a desk drawer and showed the letter after being asked by a reporter if Biden had left a note. This occurred while Trump was signing executive orders in the Oval Office after he was inaugurated as the 47th president earlier that same day.

“It could have taken years for us to find this thing,” Trump remarked, showing off the letter that had a handwritten “47” on the envelope.

On Tuesday, Trump expressed his gratitude for Biden’s letter, calling it “a very nice letter.”

“It was somewhat of an inspirational letter. Enjoy it, do a good job. Very important, how significant the role is,” Trump explained.

Trump had also written a letter to Biden back in 2021 at the end of his first term, but the details of that letter were never disclosed.

Contact Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.