I’ve been searching around for a copy of the Resolute Letter that Trump left for Biden. The letters are typically released within a few days of entering office but this was never done because Biden wanted to talk to Trump first before doing so.

It’s been almost four years. Surely it’s been done by now and I can’t seem to find any article with the letter or anything on the official White House website. I’m tempted to submit a FOIA request for it but wasn’t sure where to start.

    • CosmicTurtle0@lemmy.dbzer0.comOP
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      14 days ago

      It bothers me that no one followed up. Typically this is a Washington Post story in the Sunday section.

      I may send them an email.

  • eightpix@lemmy.world
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    14 days ago

    Here is the full text of the letter that Obama left 45. I’d never thought to read it.

    Dear Mr. President -

    Congratulations on a remarkable run. Millions have placed their hopes in you, and allof 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

    A few notes:

    Obama forecast 45s disregard for “rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties”. He KNEW 45 would fuck that up.

    The role all Presidents, since Reagan, have played in “sustain[ing] the international order that’s expanded steadily since the end of the Cold War, and upon which our own wealth and safety depend” is a warning about fomenting or courting instability. It is also a tacit admission of the Military-Industrial complex and its attendant supports in entertainment, energy, and finance that projects American values and superiority worldwide. He KNEW 45 would fuck that up, too.

    Finally, and from the start of the letter, “we’ve both been blessed… Not everyone is so lucky” is a reminder that the office is meant to support the less fortunate. We all KNEW 45 would fuck that up.

      • modifier@lemmy.ca
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        14 days ago

        How embarassing for you that you aren’t able to pick up Trump’s expertly delivered sarcasm.

  • Optional@lemmy.world
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    14 days ago

    I would be shocked to learn that he “wrote” one. (Less shocked to learn Stephen Miller wrote one for him)

  • Stimpy@lemmy.world
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    14 days ago

    He has concepts of a letter and as soon as he gets a letter that is better than the one that Barack Obama wrote then he’ll announce it.

  • celsiustimeline@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    14 days ago

    Deer Brandun,

    Dont wayk up eric. He’s asleep under the big desk.

    Luv, Donald

    PS: Those depends in the side drawer are Melanias. I dont use them. Never bought them before. Dont rly know what there for.

  • mindlight@lemm.ee
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    14 days ago

    January 20, 2021

    Joe,

    Well, Joe, you made it. A lot of people said you wouldn’t. Frankly, I’m surprised, but here we are. You know, this job—it’s not easy. People don’t understand. They think they know, but they have no idea. Believe me, it’s the toughest job in the world. I did it better than anyone ever has, that I can tell you. People say it all the time. But now it’s your turn. Let’s see what you’ve got.

    You’re going to learn quickly, Joe. The media? They’ll love you at first. They’re on your side now, we all know that, OK? They never treated me fairly. It was a witch hunt from day one. Fake news—nonstop. But here’s the thing: they’ll turn on you too. Trust me, they always do. And when they do, you’ve got to be ready. They’re not your friends, Joe. They never were.

    Let’s talk about the swamp. You know it’s bad, I know it’s bad—everybody knows it’s bad. But it’s worse than you think. Much worse. They’ll smile to your face and stab you in the back. I cleaned a lot of it up—did an incredible job, by the way—but you’ve got to watch out. You’ve been here 47 years, but I don’t think you’ve seen what I’ve seen. Be strong, Joe. You’re going to need to be stronger than you’ve ever been.

    America First, Joe. Always. I rebuilt this country. Best economy in history. Nobody’s ever seen anything like it. Record jobs, record stock market, and then—boom—the China virus hit. Total disaster. But we handled it amazingly. You’re inheriting something great, don’t mess it up. People love America First, Joe. You’d better not forget that. The radical left—they’ll try to pull you away from it. Don’t let them do it. They’ll ruin everything. Believe me, they’re bad news. Very bad news.

    And here’s the thing: they’ll tell you to undo everything we did—big mistake. Huge. The military? I rebuilt it. Our trade deals? Best deals we’ve ever had. You don’t want to go back to the old way. It was a disaster before me. Total disaster. Keep what works, Joe, even if they tell you not to. They won’t admit it, but they know I was right. Everybody knows it.

    Anyway, Joe, good luck. You’re gonna need it. We’ll see what happens, right? A lot of people are watching. And you never know, maybe I’ll be back in 2024. People are talking about it. A lot of people.

    Donald J. Trump
    45th President of the United States

    P.S. Don’t let Kamala take over. I hear she’s already measuring the drapes. Sad!

    Edit: forgot to mention that this is not the real letter. Obviously.

    • gedaliyah@lemmy.world
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      14 days ago

      Far too thoughtful, gracious, humble, and empathetic.

      Start by removing all references to “Joe” and “you” and maybe this is something!

  • CaptDust@sh.itjust.works
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    14 days ago

    I’m not sure how to help with FOIA, but my sleuthing align with your findings, this letter never went public.

    • CosmicTurtle0@lemmy.dbzer0.comOP
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      14 days ago

      I’ve done FOIA requests before and they are a headache. I think I’m going to reach out to the Washington Post and see if they have someone who can look into it.

    • CosmicTurtle0@lemmy.dbzer0.comOP
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      14 days ago

      Yeah, though if any asshole was going to buck tradition, it was going to be Trump.

      They are considered official documents so they are subject to FOIA requests. Presidents often release them as a way to show the transition of power. And since Trump refused to even attend the swearing in ceremony…