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Former US President Joe Biden is sharing the contents of a private letter Donald Trump left for him on Inauguration Day in 2021, revealing a message that struck a markedly different tone from Trump's public response to his election defeat.
The letter, dated Jan. 20, 2021, contained words of encouragement for Joe Biden as he took office, according to an excerpt from Biden’s forthcoming memoir, Promise Me, America, and a copy of the letter obtained by The New York Times.
“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.”
Trump also described the responsibilities of the presidency as a burden carried on behalf of the nation, writing that Joe Biden had the hopes and dreams of Americans on his shoulders.
“Not only are you joined by the past, but you carry the hopes and dreams of the entire nation on your shoulders. The gravity of that fact never leaves you, it is the anchor that grounds every decision you make.”
Trump added in the letter:
“Your strength, your deepest reservoir of energy, comes from the knowledge that millions upon millions of people are depending on you.”
Joe Biden had previously referred to receiving a “very generous letter” from Trump but had not disclosed its contents.
In the memoir, he describes the contrast between the message and Trump's conduct, writing it was “as if there were two Donald Trumps.” He also says Trump “deeply destabilized democracy.”
The letter's warm tone contrasts with Trump's repeated false claims that the 2020 election was stolen and his efforts to challenge Joe Biden's victory.
Trump did not attend Joe Biden's inauguration, breaking with the usual practice among outgoing presidents.
Meanwhile, White House communications director Steven Cheung criticized Biden in response, saying he should have followed Trump's advice and accusing him of trying to:
“destroy this country and weaponize the justice system against his political enemies”.
He added:
“Biden is a disgrace, and America is better off with him no longer as president.”
Joe Biden gives update on his health ahead of memoir release
The letter comes after Biden shared an update on his health, revealing that his condition has affected his schedule.
According to the former president, in a lengthy social media post on Sunday, his doctors remain encouraged by his response to the treatment. However, it isn’t always the same.
“Some days are better than others. It hasn't stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down. What that means is, unfortunately, I won’t be able to do as many conversations about my book as I’d hoped.”
Biden’s book covers his presidency, as well as the challenges the position entailed and the decision he made as the president of the United States.
“My presidential memoir, PROMISE ME, AMERICA, is coming out on November 17th. I hope you'll read it. It covers my years as President. The challenges we faced, the decisions I made, and why I made them. It's about who we are as a nation. What we stand for. And America's role in the world.”
Promise Me, America is scheduled for release on Nov. 17.
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