Obama's letter to Trump

Washington DC (USA):  Former US President, Barack Obama leaves a letter for his successor in the aged oaken desk in the Oval Office, to be read upon his arrival.

“Congratulations on a remarkable run. Millions have placed their hopes in you, and all of us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure,” Mr Obama wrote.

Mr Obama urged Mr Trump to “build more ladders of success for every child and family” and to “sustain the international order”.

He urged Mr Trump to leave the “instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we found them”.

“We are just temporary occupants of this office,” he wrote.

“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.”

Mr Obama also wrote that Mr Trump should “take time, in the rush of events and responsibilities, for friends and family”.

“They’ll get you through the inevitable rough patches,” he wrote.

He concluded by wishing the “very best as you embark on this great adventure.”

It is tradition for presidents to leave notes for their successors, but typically these missives do not come to light so quickly.