President urged to guard ‘democratic institutions and traditions’ in letter

WASHINGTON — On Inauguration Day, in one of his final acts as president, Barack Obama left a letter to Donald Trump, welcoming him to the White House and offering him advice in an office that lacks “a clear blueprint for success.”

For months, the contents of the parting letter remained private — until Sunday, when CNN published the message in full, reportedly obtained from someone Trump showed it to at the White House.

In the letter, Obama leaves his successor with “a few reflections from the past 8 years,” broken down into four points, before extending an offer to help in any way possible.

“First, we’ve both been blessed, in different ways, with great good fortune,” Obama wrote. “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.”

The 44th president also noted that U.S. leadership was “indispensable” in the world.

“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,” Obama wrote.

In a section of the letter that has been thoroughly examined since, Obama reminded Trump they are both “just temporary occupants of this office” and that, in many ways, the strength of U.S. democracy would rest on Trump’s shoulders.

“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,” Obama wrote. “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.”

Finally, Obama encouraged Trump to carve out time to spend with friends and family, who would help him get through “the inevitable rough patches” of the presidency.

“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,” Obama concluded. “Good luck and Godspeed.”

It has become tradition for the outgoing president to leave a letter to his successor in the Oval Office. The contents of George W. Bush’s letter to Obama were made public for the first time on Inauguration Day this year as well.

“There will be trying moments. The critics will rage. Your ‘friends’ will disappoint you,” Bush wrote to Obama. “But, you will have an Almighty God to comfort you, a family who loves you, and a country that is pulling for you, including me. No matter what comes, you will be inspired by the character and compassion of the people you now lead.”