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Former President Joe Biden has disclosed the contents of a letter left for him by President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on January 20, 2021. The letter, featured in Biden's upcoming memoir, "Promise Me, America," reveals a surprisingly warm message from Trump, who expressed confidence in Biden's leadership. According to an excerpt obtained by The New York Times, Trump wrote, "You now have the opportunity to choose your place in history, and I know you will be true to yourself and the American people."
The letter, addressed to "46," acknowledged Biden's position as the 46th president and praised his love for the American people. Trump stated, "Many presidents have come and gone who simply governed as Republicans or Democrats. Largely, they did not change history, they were just swept along in its relentless tide. This will not happen to you because I know how much you love the American people."
Despite the cordial tone of the letter, Trump did not attend Biden's inauguration and refused to concede the 2020 election, as reported by The Hill. In contrast to his public criticisms, the letter did not challenge the election results.
Biden's memoir, set for release on November 17, also reflects on the contradiction between Trump's private message and his public actions. Biden wrote that it was "as if there were two Donald Trumps," highlighting the disparity between Trump's destabilizing actions and the letter's supportive tone.
The White House confirmed the letter's authenticity, with Communications Director Steven Cheung stating that Biden should have heeded Trump's words but instead "tried to destroy this country and weaponize the justice system against his political enemies."