Biden's Memoir Reveals Trump's 2021 Letter Praising His Leadership

Key points

• Biden's memoir, releasing November 17, reprints a two-page letter Trump wrote in January 2021 on White House stationery.
• The letter, addressed 'To '46,' praised Biden as someone who 'will be true to yourself and the American people.'
• Trump previously told NBC in 2023 that he took 'a lot of time' thinking about the note.
• Biden described the letter as 'very generous' in 2021 but kept its contents private until now.
• The memoir contrasts the 2021 letter with Biden's condemnation of Trump's role in the January 6 attack and his 'destructive' policy reversals.

Background

This story follows earlier reports from our archive detailing the release of excerpts from Biden's memoir, 'Promise Me, America.' Previous coverage highlighted the stark contrast between the warm 2024 transition meeting and Biden's public denunciation of Trump's actions. The current development focuses specifically on the 2021 transition letter, which had remained private until its inclusion in the book.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Times emphasized the discord between Trump's public rhetoric and the private letter, noting that Trump did not criticize Biden or challenge the election results in the note. The Atlantic focused on the emotional impact of the 2024 transition meeting and Biden's harsher language regarding January 6. AP News highlighted the physical details of the letter, such as the black Sharpie and White House stationery, and included comments from White House communications director Steven Cheung, who called Trump a 'disgrace.'

Why it matters

The revelation of the 2021 letter adds a layer of complexity to the narrative of the 2020 election transition, showing a private moment of respect between two political rivals. It also underscores the evolution of Biden's public stance, moving from private appreciation to public condemnation of Trump's actions, particularly regarding the January 6 Capitol attack and federal institutions.

What to watch

The full release of 'Promise Me, America' is scheduled for November 17. Further excerpts may reveal additional details about the 2024 transition meeting and Biden's views on Trump's policy reversals. The public reaction to the letter and the memoir's broader criticisms of Trump will likely influence ongoing political discourse.