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

Key points

• Biden is publishing the full text of a letter Trump left in the Oval Office on January 20, 2021, in his memoir 'Promise Me, America,' due November 17.
• The letter, written on White House stationery, praised Biden’s character and urged him to honor the legacy of past presidents, avoiding any mention of election fraud or criticism of Biden.
• Biden described the letter as 'very generous' but noted a stark contrast between Trump’s private warmth and his public hostility, including the January 6 Capitol attack and subsequent policy reversals.
• The White House responded to the disclosure by attacking Biden’s presidency, calling him a 'disgrace' and accusing him of weaponizing the justice system, rather than disputing the letter’s contents.
• Biden, 83, has limited his book tour due to prostate cancer treatment, with his doctors expressing encouragement at his response to therapy but acknowledging the impact on his public schedule.

Background

Biden’s memoir, 'Promise Me, America,' is his second book, following 'Promise Me, Dad,' which he wrote about his son Beau’s cancer and death. The title echoes his earlier work and implicitly acknowledges his age and health challenges. The memoir also addresses major events of his presidency, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and his decision to end his reelection campaign in 2024 after a disastrous debate with Trump.

How outlets are covering it

Newsweek and The New York Times emphasize the contrast between Trump’s private letter and his public actions, highlighting Biden’s description of 'two Donald Trumps.' MS NOW focuses on the letter’s warmth and the White House’s hostile response, while AP News centers on Biden’s broader criticisms of Trump’s administration, including the January 6 attack and policy reversals. All sources agree on the letter’s content but differ in emphasis: Newsweek and The New York Times highlight the personal contrast, MS NOW notes the White House’s reaction, and AP News frames the letter within Biden’s broader indictment of Trump’s presidency.

Why it matters

The letter reveals a rare moment of personal warmth between two politically adversarial figures, complicating the narrative of their public rivalry. It also underscores the tension between private diplomacy and public hostility in presidential transitions, particularly in the context of the January 6 Capitol attack and subsequent clemency. Biden’s decision to publish the letter amid his cancer treatment and limited public schedule adds a layer of personal significance to the disclosure.

What to watch

The full release of 'Promise Me, America' is scheduled for November 17, 2026. Biden’s reduced public schedule due to cancer treatment may limit further promotional appearances, with the book itself carrying more of the burden of shaping his post-presidential account. The White House’s continued attacks on Biden’s presidency suggest ongoing political tensions, while the letter may influence public perception of the 2021 transition and Trump’s private conduct.