Obama Wrote Trump a Private 275 Word Letter Offering Advice. Trump Has Ignored Every Single Word.

Obama Urged Trump to Guard America’s ‘Democratic Institutions and Traditions — Like Rule of Law, Separation of Powers, Equal Protection and Civil Liberties’

It’s been called “the greatest private tradition of the US Presidency,” and a “White House ritual.” Going back to at least John Adams, our second president, if not to George Washington himself, nearly every president has left his successor a letter of advice, some thoughts from one of the few people in the history of the world to have ever held the most unique job on the planet. Until recently, the contents of these letters were never revealed, but starting with President Ronald Reagan Americans, over time, after their recipients left office, they have been shared.

Donald Trump is different.

CNN reports that Trump regularly shares with Oval Office guests – and there are a great many – the letter President Barack Obama wrote to him. 

And now, one of the many people who has seen it has given a copy of it to CNN.

Unlike the letters written by Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton, and Bush 43, it is longer, more in-depth, but just as supportive and gracious, if not more.

Reagan’s letter said, “Don’t let the turkeys get you down.”

Obama’s letter was a bit different. It was as if he knew what Trump’s shortcomings are, and how Trump would fail.

In a tremendous gesture of love of country, he left his successor a brilliant 275-word letter offering critical and crucial advice.

And, sadly, President Donald Trump has spectacularly ignored every single word.

Obama urged Trump to “build more ladders of success for every child and family that’s willing to work hard.”

Ignored.

“American leadership in this world really is indispensable,” Obama wrote, urging Trump to “sustain the international order that’s expanded steadily since the end of the Cold War.”

Ignored.

He told Trump, presidents are “guardians” of “democratic institutions and traditions — like rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties,” and urged him to “leave those instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we found them.”

Ignored.

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

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