In a gesture of continuity, President Biden has reportedly penned a letter to his successor, Donald Trump, before departing the White House. This act upholds a modern presidential custom initiated by Ronald Reagan. CNN first reported on Biden's adherence to this tradition, noting the letter's placement on the Oval Office's Resolute Desk. While Fox News Digital sought White House confirmation, no immediate response was received.

This exchange marks a unique moment in presidential history and American politics. Biden, having succeeded Trump four years prior, now finds himself reciprocating the gesture, crafting a message for the same individual who left him a note upon his own inauguration. The situation is further highlighted by Trump's decision to attend Biden's inauguration, a departure from typical precedent for outgoing presidents.

Image: President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump are greeted by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden at the White House on January 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

While Biden acknowledged receiving a "very generous letter" from Trump in 2021, he has opted to keep its contents private, stating his intention to discuss it with Trump personally before revealing any details. Similarly, Trump has refrained from disclosing specifics, suggesting it's Biden's prerogative to share the letter's content.

Image: President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden greet President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump upon arriving at the White House on January 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

In a 2023 interview, Trump described his letter to Biden as a "nice note," emphasizing the thought he put into composing it. He also mentioned receiving a "beautiful letter" from his predecessor, Barack Obama. This letter, as shared by Obama, conveyed sentiments of good fortune, the importance of American leadership, the guardianship of democratic values, and the support of loved ones during challenging times.

Image: President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden greet President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House before departing for the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025. (Jim Watson / AFP via Getty Images)

Trump's return to the presidency marks a historical anomaly, as he becomes the first president since Grover Cleveland in the late 19th century to serve non-consecutive terms. Notably, the tradition of exchanging letters between outgoing and incoming presidents did not exist during Cleveland's era.