A private letter from Barack Obama to Donald Trump has been revealed to the public for the first time. The writing of such letters is a tradition that's been carried out by at least three previous presidents.
CNN has exclusively revealed the contents of the letter Obama wrote to his successor, reflecting on his eight years as president and detailing four points of advice.
Trump called the note a "beautiful letter" during a press conference two days after receiving it but the note was just over twice as long as those written by three previous presidents, according to an analysis by CNBC.
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In it, Obama congratulated the President on a "remarkable run" and urged his successor to uphold the rule of law and ensure the instruments of democracy remain strong.
Here's the letter in full:
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
Obama's former top aide David Axelrod seized on the letter on Twitter, writing: "What wise and eloquent advice from one president to another. Sad how thoroughly @POTUS has disregarded it!"
Former Republican senator Rick Santorum criticised the letter's opening words, calling it "politically correct" on CNN. But he went on to say the rest of it was "very gracious and well written".
The relationship between the two presidents has grown "increasingly fractious after an initial attempt to build bridges on both sides quickly collapsed," says The Guardian.
"Trump continues to use social media to needle his predecessor, last month retweeting an allegedly antisemitic supporter's set of images entitled 'The best eclipse ever!' which showed Trump's face gradually obscuring that of Obama."
