Trump’s Handwritten Note to Biden Revealed

For readers of the new memoir by Joe Biden, the most striking revelation is not the criticism of his successor, but the private words of praise he received from that successor. The book, titled Promise Me, America, releases on November 17. It contains a two-page letter that Donald Trump wrote by hand on White House stationery in January 2021. The note, addressed to the incoming leader as '46', was kept out of public view for four years.

The letter was first identified by The New York Times on Tuesday. The Associated Press reviewed a photocopy of the document. Trump wrote in black Sharpie ink that he believed Biden 'will be true to yourself and the American people.' He added that many previous presidents were simply swept along by history, but he expected Biden to make a distinct impact because of his love for the nation.

This private sentiment contrasts with the public behavior of the transition period. Trump skipped traditional rituals, including the inauguration ceremony and a farewell tea with the incoming first family. Biden told staff members on inauguration day that the note was 'very generous' but kept it private at the time. He later told NBC’s Meet the Press in September 2023 that he considered it a 'nice note' and that Trump had spent considerable time thinking it through.

The memoir juxtaposes this early grace with Biden’s current view of the presidency. In excerpts published by The Atlantic on Monday, Biden describes the damage inflicted by the current administration. He characterizes the effort to 'tear down institutions and inflame hatreds' as evidence of a 'dismissive and destructive nature.' He specifically criticizes the Department of Government Efficiency and the aggressive reversal of policies.

Biden’s harshest words in the book concern the January 6 attack on the Capitol. He states that Trump 'led an insurrection' with the goal of remaining in power after voters rejected him. The former president writes that the event 'should follow him to his grave.'

The White House responded quickly to the memoir’s release. Communications director Steven Cheung called Trump 'a disgrace' in a statement. Cheung said the former president should have heeded Biden’s words but instead tried to destroy the country and weaponize the justice system against political enemies. The full book arrives for sale on November 17.