In his upcoming memoir “Promise Me, America,” Joe Biden reproduced a private note Donald Trump left in the Oval Office before leaving office in January 2021. Interactions between Trump and Biden have often been defined by public clashes. However, this newly revealed letter paints a very different picture. The letter contained warm wishes and words of encouragement despite the bitter political rivalry between the two men.
Joe Biden’s memoir reproduces the unexpectedly gracious 2021 Oval Office note
According to The New York Times, which published excerpts from Joe Biden’s memoir, Donald Trump wrote a handwritten letter for his successor. He left the note in the Oval Office on Jan. 20, 2021, right before departing the White House. Although Trump skipped Biden’s inauguration and had spent months criticizing him publicly, the private message struck a remarkably different tone.
In the note, Trump reflected on the significance of serving in the Oval Office. He encouraged Biden to appreciate the history surrounding the presidency. “You now have the opportunity to choose your place in history, and I know you will be true to yourself and the American people,” Trump wrote.
The letter also expressed confidence in Biden’s leadership. Trump reminded his successor that millions of Americans would depend on his decisions. Additionally, he wished blessings upon Biden, former first lady Jill Biden, and the nation before signing the message simply, “Donald.”
According to the report, Biden wrote that reading the note left him feeling “as if there were two Donald Trumps.” In the memoir, he contrasted the gracious private message with Trump’s public conduct following the 2020 election. Biden also noted that Trump had declined to welcome him to the White House before the transition.
The memoir also recalls another unexpected exchange years later. According to The Atlantic, Biden described Trump as surprisingly cordial during their Oval Office meeting after the 2024 election. Biden wrote that Trump told him, “If it weren’t for politics, I believe we’d be good friends,” adding that the two would likely spend their time golfing together.
The contrast between Trump’s public rhetoric and private words has become one of the more surprising revelations from Biden’s upcoming memoir.
