Former U.S. President Joe Biden has unveiled the contents of a note that Donald Trump left for him in the Oval Office on January 20, 2021, at the conclusion of Trump's presidency. The letter, filled with encouraging words and well-wishes, stands in stark contrast to the political attacks the Republican had directed at his successor.
The message is featured in Biden's new memoir, "Promise Me, America," which is set to be released on November 17. The New York Times exclusively previewed the letter this week.
Handwritten on official White House stationery with Trump's signature black marker, the note was dated on the day of Biden's inauguration. The envelope contained a reference to the number 46, marking Biden's position as the 46th President of the United States.
Personal Reflections from Trump
The letter opens with a personal greeting and a reflection on the historical significance of the presidency. "Dear Joe: Coming to work every day in the Oval Office is an unimaginable blessing. History echoes in every wall, every statue, every beautiful painting, and every corner of this magical place," Trump wrote.
Trump went on to speak about the legacy that Biden would have the chance to establish during his tenure: "Now you have the opportunity to choose your place in history, and I know you will stay true to yourself and the American people."
He also pondered the presidents who had come before him, expressing trust in Biden's ability to leave his own mark. "Many presidents have come and gone, governing merely as Republicans or Democrats. Largely, they did not change history but just drifted along its relentless current," he noted.
A Surprising Message of Unity
One of the most striking statements in the letter comes from a president who had spent months questioning the legitimacy of Biden's election victory. "This will not happen to you, because I know how much you love the American people," Trump added.
The letter concluded with a blessing for Biden and his wife, Jill, signed simply as "Donald."
Biden's Reaction to the Unexpected Tone
In his memoirs, Biden admits that the note's content surprised him due to the stark difference between the private words and Trump's public behavior during the presidential transition. "It was as if there were two Donald Trumps," the former president wrote.
Biden recalled that his predecessor had "deeply destabilized our democracy" and had not offered the traditional meeting between outgoing and incoming presidents to ensure a smooth transition of power. "Yet there he was, wishing me well with warm words that seemed to come from an old friend," he recounted.
Trump had rejected the results of the November 2020 presidential election, pursued legal challenges, and pressured his allies to try to block the certification of his defeat. On January 6, 2021, just two weeks before the inauguration, a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol while Congress was certifying the electoral results. Trump also did not attend Biden's inauguration, breaking a longstanding tradition of institutional continuity.
Continued Tensions and Critiques
Despite this confrontation, Biden publicly acknowledged the cordiality of the letter. On January 20, 2021, when asked by journalists, he described it as "very generous" but declined to reveal its content, considering it a private communication.
The conciliatory tone of the note also contrasts with the criticisms Trump has maintained against Biden since returning to the White House in January 2025. The Republican continues to dispute the 2020 election results and repeatedly blames his successor for the country's economic and political issues.
In the White House's presidential portrait gallery, Trump replaced Biden's image with an autopen device, referencing accusations about its use during the Democratic administration.
Biden's Health and Memoir Promotion
The release of "Promise Me, America" comes as Biden undergoes treatment for aggressive prostate cancer with bone metastasis, diagnosed in May 2025. The 83-year-old former president has recently explained that his health condition will limit public activities planned to promote the book.
"While writing the book, I was diagnosed with cancer, an illness that millions of Americans and their families know all too well," he noted. "Some days are better than others. It hasn't stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down," he added.
Biden acknowledged that due to his treatment, he will not be able to participate in as many conversations and presentations about his memoir as originally planned. The book, set for release on Tuesday, November 17, covers his presidency, the pandemic, the wars in Ukraine and Afghanistan, and his decision to withdraw from the 2024 re-election campaign.
Key Questions About Trump's Letter to Biden
What was the main content of Trump's letter to Biden?
Trump's letter to Biden was filled with words of encouragement and well-wishes, urging Biden to choose his place in history and expressing confidence in his ability to leave a mark as president.
How did Biden react to the letter from Trump?
Biden was surprised by the letter's warm and encouraging tone, especially given Trump's public behavior during the transition. In his memoirs, Biden describes it as if there were two different Donald Trumps.
How does Trump's letter contrast with his later actions?
The conciliatory nature of the letter contrasts sharply with Trump's continued criticisms of Biden and his refusal to accept the 2020 election results, along with his absence at Biden's inauguration.