Former president offered the current commander in chief some words of wisdom<\/b>
\nWashington \u2014 Before he left office in January, President Barack Obama offered his successor accolades and advice in a private letter that underscored some of his concerns as he passed the baton.
In the letter, published Sunday by CNN, Obama praised President Donald Trump, saying: \u201cCongratulations 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.\u201d
Obama went on to urge Trump to \u201cbuild more ladders of success for every child and family, \u201d to \u201csustain the international order\u201d and to protect \u201cdemocratic institutions and traditions.\u201d
Obama wrote: \u201cWe are just temporary occupants of this office. That makes us guardians of those democratic institutions and traditions \u2014 like rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties \u2014 that our forebears fought and bled for.\u201d
It is customary for presidents to leave notes for their successors. But typically these missives do not come to light so quickly. The handoff letters from President George W. Bush in 2009 and President Bill Clinton in 2001 were revealed earlier this year. CNN reports it received the Obama letter from \u201csomeone Trump showed it to.\u201d
After taking office, Trump praised the note from Obama, calling it a \u201cbeautiful letter\u201d in an interview with ABC. Trump added that he called Obama to thank him for the note.
The White House declined to comment, as did a spokesman for Obama.
In the letter, Obama offered some advice: urging Trump to provide opportunities for those \u201cwilling to work hard, \u201d arguing that American \u201cleadership in this world really is indispensable\u201d and asking him to leave \u201cinstruments of our democracy at least as strong as we found them.\u201d
Obama also wrote that Trump should \u201ctake time, in the rush of events and responsibilities, for friends and family. They\u2019 ll get you through the inevitable rough patches.\u201d He concluded by wishing the \u201cvery best as you embark on this great adventure.\u201d
Former top Obama aide David Axelrod seized on the letter on Twitter, writing: \u201cWhat wise and eloquent advice from one president to another. Sad how thoroughly @POTUS has disregarded it!\u201d
Former Republican Sen. Rick Santorum criticized the letter\u2019s opening words, calling it \u201cpolitically correct\u201d on CNN, though he went on to say the rest was \u201cvery gracious and well written.\u201d<\/p>\n

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