President Joe Biden’s upcoming memoir, Promise Me, America, includes the full text of a handwritten letter left by former President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on January 20, 2021, the day of Biden’s inauguration. The letter, addressed to ‘To ‘46’, was written in Trump’s signature black Sharpie on White House stationery and praised Biden’s character while expressing confidence in his presidency.
The revelation comes as Biden reflects on his four years in the White House in the memoir, set for release on November 17, amid ongoing political tensions between the two leaders. Trump has not publicly commented on the letter’s inclusion in Biden’s book.
Key details of the letter
The two-page note, reviewed by multiple outlets including The New York Times and The Associated Press, includes passages where Trump wrote:
“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.”
Biden described the letter as ‘very generous’ in 2021 but declined to share its contents publicly at the time. In his memoir, he writes that reading it felt ‘as if there were two Donald Trumps’, noting the contrast between the private note and Trump’s public efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Reactions and context
The letter’s inclusion in Biden’s memoir underscores the personal and political divide between the two men. While Trump publicly disputed Biden’s victory and refused to attend the inauguration, the private note offered praise and encouragement. Biden’s staff confirmed the letter’s authenticity, and The Associated Press reviewed a photocopy of the original document.
Trump has previously stated that he believed it was up to Biden to decide whether to share the letter. The former president has also faced scrutiny over his post-election rhetoric, which culminated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Biden’s memoir addresses this period, detailing his administration’s response to the riot and broader challenges during his presidency.
Memoir’s broader themes
In addition to the letter, Biden’s book covers his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic legislation, and his decision to step aside from the 2024 presidential race. The memoir also addresses his stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2025, which he describes as a factor in his decision to end his re-election campaign. Biden writes that standard medical protocols typically stop prostate cancer testing after age 70, and he denies allegations that he concealed his diagnosis.
The book’s release coincides with Trump’s ongoing cancer treatment, which has limited his public appearances. Biden acknowledges in the memoir that his treatment has slowed him down, though he states it has not stopped him from fulfilling his duties.
Document timeline
- January 20, 2021: Trump leaves the letter for Biden in the Oval Office.
- January 2021: Biden describes the letter as ‘very generous’ but keeps its contents private.
- November 17, 2025: Biden’s memoir, Promise Me, America, is published, including the full text of the letter.