Biden’s Memoir Reveals Trump’s 2021 Letter Praising His Character Amid Sharp Criticisms

Key points

• Biden’s memoir, releasing November 17, 2026, reprints the full text of a letter Trump left in the Oval Office on January 20, 2021.
• The letter, written on White House stationery and addressed 'To 46,' praised Biden’s leadership and expressed confidence in his ability to serve the American people.
• Biden described the letter as 'very generous' but kept it private in 2021, only revealing it now in his memoir.
• The memoir also includes a 2024 White House meeting where Trump was described as 'chatty' and 'friendly,' even suggesting they would be good friends if not for politics.
• Biden contrasts the letter’s warmth with his criticism of Trump’s 'dismissive and destructive nature' and his role in the January 6 Capitol attack, which he says 'should follow him to his grave.'

Background

Biden’s memoir, 'Promise Me, America,' covers his presidency, including the pandemic, the January 6 Capitol riot, and his 2024 withdrawal from the re-election race. Biden has scaled back his promotional tour due to prostate cancer treatment, but the book’s excerpts have drawn significant attention for their candid assessments of Trump’s character and actions.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News emphasizes the contrast between Trump’s public and private personas, noting that Biden described the letter as sounding like it came from an 'old friend.' The New York Times and AP News focus on the letter’s content and its discrepancy with Trump’s public disputes over the 2020 election. The Atlantic highlights Biden’s 2024 meeting with Trump, describing it as surprisingly warm, while also noting Biden’s harsh criticisms of Trump’s role in January 6. White House communications director Steven Cheung criticized Biden, calling him a 'disgrace' who 'weaponized the justice system,' while former White House official Theo Wold accused Biden of using the letter to 'tear down Trump' despite its magnanimous tone.

Why it matters

The revelation of Trump’s 2021 letter and Biden’s 2024 meeting highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of presidential transitions and the personal dynamics between political rivals. It also underscores the ongoing debate over the legacy of the January 6 Capitol attack and the impact of Trump’s policies on federal institutions.

What to watch

The full release of 'Promise Me, America' is scheduled for November 17, 2026. The book is expected to provide further insights into Biden’s presidency and his views on Trump’s actions, potentially influencing public discourse on the January 6 Capitol attack and the current administration’s policies.