Biden talks about the letter Trump left on the table

It was not immediately known what he had written on the letter. Asked by journalists, President Joe Biden responded from the Oval Office that the letter was very generous, but that he could not reveal its contents without talking in advance with former President Trump. Taking into account the departure from Washington before the official end of Mr. Trump's mandate at noon Wednesday, and his absence at President Biden's inaugural ceremony were questioned whether Trump would adhere to the tradition launched in 1989 by President Ronald Reagan.

Trump has not conceded defeat in the November 3rd election, and he and Biden have not spoken since the day of the presidential election. President Trump did not mention President Biden by name even in the short farewell address at an air base outside Washington. Past presidents have left their letters at the White House Oval Office table, where new presidents have found good wishes shortly after the start of their four-year mandate. President Reagan initiated the tradition, telling former Vice President and future President George H.W. Bush: “George, I really appreciate the memories we share and I wish you all the best. You will be in my prayers. ”

Four years later, Bush congratulated his Democrat rival, Bill Clinton, who had defeated him in the November elections. “Your success now is the success of our country. I will now support you strongly”, he said. After two mandates at the White House, Clinton told his successor, George W. Bush, son of his former rival George H.W., in 2001, “You will lead a proud and good people. And since this day, you are the president of all of us. I salute you and wish you success and much happiness. ”