president Donald TrumpAs the 47th President of the United States was signing a series of executive orders at his resolute desk in the Oval Office of the White House, a letter from his predecessor was discovered in a desk drawer with the help of a Fox News reporter.

On Monday, as Trump was signing one of several executive orders after returning to the White House, Fox News’ Peter Doocy asked President Biden if he had left a letter for him.

“He might have. Didn’t they leave it on the table? I don’t know,” Trump told Ducey before discovering a white envelope with the number “47” written on it. “Thank you, Peter. It might be years before we find this thing.”

Trump then teased everyone in the room, suggesting they all read the letter together and take back the reigns.

Donald Trump sworn in as 47th President of the United States

U.S. President Donald Trump holds a letter from outgoing President Joe Biden as he signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (Jim Watson/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“Well, maybe I’ll read it first and then make a decision,” the president said again. Thanks to the White House Correspondent.

“It’s great to be able to help pass the torch,” Ducey said.

Trump was then asked if he had left one for Biden, and he said he left one on his desk, just like Biden.

Trump to take more than 200 executive actions on day one

President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump begins his second term as the 47th President of the United States. (Anna Chanmemaker/Getty Images)

When leaving this letter to Trump, Biden retains It has been a 36-year tradition for the outgoing commander-in-chief to write a note to the incoming president.

When President Ronald Reagan left the White House in 1989 after two terms, he started the tradition by leaving a note for his successor, George H.W. Bush, who was also his vice president. .

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Four years later, despite losing to then-Gov. Bill Clinton of Arkansas, where outgoing President Bush left a note for Clinton in the Oval Office. This tradition continues to this day.