Biden’s New Memoir Reveals Trump’s Handwritten Note of Farewell

Former US President Joe Biden has revealed a handwritten letter from Donald Trump in his upcoming White House memoir, providing a glimpse into the private sentiments of the two political rivals during their transition in 2021. The document, which was first reported by The New York Times, was included in "Promise Me, America," a book scheduled for release on November 17. This disclosure offers a look at the personal dynamic between the outgoing and incoming presidents, a relationship that was often defined by public animosity during Biden’s first term.

The Associated Press has reviewed a photocopy of the two-page note, which was handwritten by Trump on White House stationery using his signature black Sharpie. Addressed to "To '46," a reference to Biden’s position as the 46th president, the letter contained a message of encouragement. Trump wrote that Biden would be true to himself and the American people. He noted that while many presidents are simply swept along by history, he believed Biden would make a distinct impact because of his deep love for the nation.

In the letter, Trump acknowledged the historical context of the presidency, stating that many leaders have come and gone without significantly changing history. However, he expressed confidence that this would not be the case for Biden. The note stood in contrast to the public behavior of the transition period. Trump had previously disputed the results of the 2020 election, claiming it was stolen by Democratic forces. He also opted out of several traditional presidential customs, including attending Biden’s inauguration ceremony and hosting the incoming president and first lady for a farewell tea at the White House.

Biden has described the letter as "very generous," a sentiment that surprised him given the intense rivalry between the two men. At the time of the transition, staff members were shown the note, but Biden kept its contents private. In a September 2023 interview with NBC’s "Meet the Press," Trump described the note as "a nice one" and said he had taken considerable time thinking about what to write. He indicated that it was up to Biden to decide whether to share the message with the public.

While the letter highlights a moment of grace, the memoir also contains sharp criticisms of Trump’s second term. Biden wrote about the deep damage inflicted by the current administration, describing an effort to "tear down institutions and inflame hatreds." He specifically lamented the work of the Department of Government Efficiency and the aggressive reversal of previous policies. Biden characterized Trump’s approach as "dismissive and destructive," noting that the former president seemed unable to tolerate the idea that previous accomplishments were worth building upon.

The harshest language in the memoir is reserved for Trump’s role in the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Biden wrote that Trump "led an insurrection" with the goal of remaining in power after the American people had voted him out. He emphasized that the events of that day should never be forgotten and should follow Trump to his grave. This characterization underscores the lasting impact of the certification process on Biden’s view of his predecessor.

The White House responded to the news of the letter and the memoir by commenting on both the document and Biden’s writing. Communications director Steven Cheung did not deny the authenticity of the letter. Instead, he referred to the former president as "a disgrace," suggesting that Trump should have heeded Biden’s wise words. Cheung added that Trump instead tried to destroy the country and weaponize the justice system against his political enemies.

The release of the memoir marks a significant moment in political publishing, offering a detailed account of the Biden administration’s experiences. The inclusion of the handwritten note provides a tangible artifact of the transition, capturing a moment of unexpected civility between two leaders who have shaped the political landscape of the United States in recent years. As the book approaches its release date, public interest in the specific details of the letter and the broader narrative of the memoir is expected to grow.

The juxtaposition of the gracious note and the critical memoir offers a complex view of the relationship between the two presidents. It highlights the difference between private correspondence and public political discourse. For historians and political observers, the letter serves as a primary source document that adds nuance to the story of the 2020 to 2021 transition, a period marked by both continuity and significant change in the executive branch.