U.S. President Joe Biden intends to write a letter to newly elected President Donald Trump before leaving the White House.
Four years ago, despite Trump’s refusal to attend Biden’s inauguration and acknowledge his victory, Trump still left a letter on the desk in the Oval Office, adhering to a long-standing tradition of American presidents. Biden later described the letter as “very generous,” although its contents were never disclosed.
Sources close to Trump’s circle note that his decision to leave a letter for Biden was influenced by the impression left on him by the letter he received from his predecessor, Barack Obama.
On Monday, Biden and Trump are expected to be together for several events, including a joint ride in the presidential limousine to the inauguration. However, the meeting may be tense given Trump’s recent statements. In a speech ahead of the inauguration, Trump criticized Biden’s legacy and emphasized his plans to end the war in Ukraine and prevent a third world war.
CNN also reports that Trump has instructed his aides to arrange a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the days following his inauguration.
