Former President Donald Trump left a strikingly personal letter for his successor Joe Biden in the Oval Office during the 2021 transition of power, urging him to embrace the weight of history and expressing confidence in his leadership β a far cry from the fierce political rhetoric that defined their public feud.
The full text of the never-before-seen letter appears in Biden’s upcoming memoir, “Promise Me, America,” according to an excerpt obtained by The New York Times. The handwritten note, dated January 20, 2021, opens with Trump reflecting on the awe-inspiring nature of the presidency, describing the White House as a place where “history resounds from every wall.”
From Rivals to Presidential Pen Pals
Addressing Biden directly, 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 note continues: “This will not happen to you because I know how much you love the American people.”
Biden himself seemed taken aback by the letter’s tone when describing it in his book, contrasting the kind words with Trump’s refusal to hold a traditional transition meeting. “But here he was, offering his best wishes in warm language that sounded like it was coming from an old friend,” Biden wrote, per The Times.
Words vs. Actions
The letter’s discovery comes at a politically charged moment, as the two men remain locked in verbal warfare despite both having left office. Trump’s 2020 campaign frequently painted Biden as incompetent, calling him “the worst candidate” in U.S. history β making the newly revealed personal encouragement all the more surprising.
Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director under Trump, seized on the contrast to criticize Biden’s subsequent actions. “Joe Biden should have heeded the president’s wise words,” Cheung told The Times, accusing Biden of “try[ing] to destroy this country and weaponize the justice system against his political enemies.”
Biden, who recently dropped out of the 2024 race after debate performance concerns and health struggles, revealed Sunday that cancer treatment would limit his book promotion. “Some days are better than others,” he said on November 8 about his ongoing health battle, while expressing hope that “the words on the page speak for themselves.”
The letter’s release provides a rare personal glimpse into one of modern America’s most contentious political relationships β proving that even bitter rivals can share moments of unexpected presidential camaraderie.
Source: www.dailywire.com β https://www.dailywire.com/news/read-it-trumps-private-letter-to-biden-finally-revealed