WASHINGTON — President Trump left a note for successor Joe Biden in the Oval Office on Wednesday, following one tradition while skipping the traditional Inauguration Day transfer of power ceremonies.
Trump did not enter the Oval Office but instead left the message with an aide before departing the executive residence around 8 a.m. on Wednesday morning, a source familiar with the matter told The Post.
President Ronald Reagan started the tradition in 1989 when he left a message on the Resolute Desk for George H.W. Bush telling him that he was praying for his success.
Bush did the same for Bill Clinton in 1992, infamously scrawling: “I am rooting hard for you.”
It’s unclear what wishes Trump left for Biden but it will be the only handover between the two commanders in chief on Wednesday after Trump decided not to attend Biden’s swearing in.
He will be the first president in 152 years not to attend the inauguration of his successor.
Trump instead opted for a departure ceremony at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland where he gave a brief speech touting his achievements and promising that he would see the American people soon.
Meanwhile, Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are attending church services at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., joined by their families and senior congressional leaders.
