Up Next
Back to Show
PBS News Hour
The history and tradition of presidential transition letters
Monday’s change of Oval Office occupants is a ritual full of traditions and customs. One of the more modern ones began in 1989, when Ronald Reagan left a note for George H.W. Bush on stationery with a whimsical bit of advice. John Yang speaks with Lindsay Chervinsky, executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library, to learn more about this tradition.
Support Provided By

57:46
October 7, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

56:45
October 6, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

26:45
October 5, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode

26:45
October 4, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode

57:46
October 3, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

57:46
October 2, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

57:46
October 1, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

57:46
September 30, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

57:46
September 29, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

26:45
September 28, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode

26:45
September 27, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode

57:46
September 26, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode