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July 5, 2025

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Point of View Op-Ed

Op-Ed: An Open Letter to President-Elect Trump by Tom Timberman

November 16, 2016 by Tom Timberman

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Dear Mr. President-Elect,

I am a lifelong member of the Democratic Party and was disappointed that our candidate lost the election. However, you deserve serious congratulations for having endured eighteen months of a very difficult campaign and for giving voice to a large segment of citizens whose frustration and grievance had not been fully heard. Responding to them is, I’m sure, a high priority on your policy agenda.

Many years ago, I swore allegiance to the same Constitution you will on January 20, 2017. At that moment, you will become my president, not my enemy. And I hope that is how you and your Administration will regard all Americans for the next four years.

During my thirty-plus years in the U.S. Foreign Service, I spent long tours in Washington working on foreign and national security policy. I have seen up close the incessant demands on the president for decisions and guidance on issues that often affect the lives of all Americans and billions of others around the globe. The presidency is, in my view, the most difficult, exhausting, taxing position held by any human being on Earth.

My responsibility as a citizen after Noon on January 21 is to offer honest support and advice to you to the fullest extent possible, within the constraints of my conscience and common sense.

My Party, as the loyal opposition, will have an even graver duty to perform. In the Congress, state legislatures and more broadly across the nation, it must seek to compromise, not obstruct, legislative proposals while conforming to the precepts of the Constitution and the people-centered principles upon which the party is based.

I wish you and your administration every success as you enter in challenging service to the people of the United States, the world, and our Constitution.

With respect,

Tom Timberman

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Op-Ed

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Letters to Editor

  1. Bill nderson says

    November 17, 2016 at 4:14 PM

    Mr. Timberman, I applaud you for a thoughtful, seemingly most sincere expression of hope and support for president-elect Trump. The tone and point of your letter is far more favorable than was what I seem to recall of your letter to this newsletter a few days prior to the general election.

    Bill Anderson

  2. Fletcher Hall says

    November 17, 2016 at 6:23 PM

    Just wish more Americans felt this way.
    Trump was not my primary candidate.
    However, on Jan. 20, he will be my President.
    Respect the office.

    • Gren Whitman says

      November 19, 2016 at 9:50 AM

      “Respect the office” is what one warbles when that office’s occupant is behaving in a fashion not conducive earning respect.

      • Robert Kramer says

        November 22, 2016 at 8:52 AM

        Gren… the office of the president of the United States of America is bigger than any individual who has ever held the office. It still is and always will be. He’s my president and your president after he takes the oath… no matter how you or I feel.

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