Everything You Need to Know About Obama's Letter to Trump
Everything You Need to Know About Obama's Letter to Trump

Donald Trump is president, and in between limiting access to abortion and supporting torture, he gave his first interview to ABC News—where he (somewhat surprisingly) gushed about Barack Obama.
Our former POTUS was photographed leaving a note on the desk of President Trump, who seemed eager to share the general good vibes of its contents.
"This was the letter given to me by President Obama. I won't show to you or read it to you, but a—just a, a beautiful letter," Trump said. "It was long, it was complex, it was thoughtful, and it took time to do it....I doubt too many of them were written in this manner.He really—in fact, I called him and thanked him for the thought that was put into that letter."
Pres. Trump on 'beautiful' letter left for him by Pres. Obama in desk of the Oval Office: "So well written. So thoughtful, so thoughtful." pic.twitter.com/2v5wR64Cg6January 26, 2017
ABC News' David Muir pressed for more details, and Trump had this to say: "[Obama] said something that was very interesting to me, he said, 'You know if I thought your healthcare plan was going to be better than his plan, Obamacare, then I would support it,' and I believe he would."
He continued that the letter contained "Nothing that surprised me, but it was stated beautifully but that I'm representing a lot of people and I'm carrying on a very important tradition, and just do a great job. He wants me to do a great job."
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Travis Kelce's Mom Reportedly "Liked" a Comment About His Future as a Dad
...and then removed it.
By Lia Beck
-
Prince Louis Will Soon Be Allowed a Special Privilege That Prince George and Princess Charlotte Already Have
The youngest Wales child will turn 7 on April 23.
By Kristin Contino
-
$20 and 30 Minutes Is All You Need for a Vacation-Level Glow
Self-tanner secrets, according to a beauty director.
By Hannah Baxter
-
Who is Susie Wiles? President-Elect Donald Trump Names His White House Chief of Staff
The political consultant helped the former president run his successful 2024 campaign.
By Danielle Campoamor
-
A Nationwide Reaction to the 2024 Election
How are people feeling in this moment? Marie Claire spoke to folks across the country to find out what they were thinking as they cast their votes and waited to hear the results.
By The Editors
-
The Historic Election Victories Worth Celebrating
Including momentous firsts, abortion protections, and New York's "Equal Rights Amendment."
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kamala Harris Has Lost the 2024 Presidential Election
It's official.
By Jenny Hollander
-
Donald Trump Is Ordered to Pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 Million in Damages
Carroll had filed two defamation suits against the former president.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
E. Jean Carroll Triumphs Over Donald Trump In Civil Suit
A jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
Features It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If Reelected
Kathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
By Emily Tisch Sussman