The surprising inauguration letters presidents left their successors

In 1993, following an incredibly divisive presidential election, an uplifting modern tradition marking the end to the presidential transition was cemented: the inauguration letter.

On 20 January 1993, George W H Bush left a heartfelt closing message for the newly inaugurated President Bill Clinton on a desk in the Oval Office upon his departure, in a surprising show of unity.

The letter, while not the first one left from outgoing president to successor, was seen by many as a profound reminder of political bipartisanship, and since then the gesture has embedded itself in presidential tradition.

As 2021’s Inauguration Day nears, the nation continues to face unprecedented political instability, with President Donald Trump refusing to concede amid continued baseless attacks on the US electoral system.