Former President Joe Biden’s upcoming memoir, Promise Me, America, will include the entirety of a letter penned by Donald Trump on January 20, 2021.
This two-page note, handwritten with a black Sharpie on official White House stationery, was placed in an envelope labeled “To ’46,” indicating Biden’s role as the 46th president. The New York Times reviewed a photocopy of the letter prior to the book’s release.
Biden described the letter as “very generous” on inauguration day but chose to keep its details private until he had spoken with Trump. He did, however, share the note with select staff, keeping it out of their direct view.
In a September 2023 appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump referred to the letter as “a nice note” and stated, “I took a lot of time in thinking about it,” while indicating that it was Biden’s choice whether to share its contents.
The letter begins with reflections on the significance of the office. “Coming to work every day in the Oval Office is a blessing beyond imagination. History resounds from every wall, every statue, every beautiful painting, and every corner of this magical place. Each staircase, hallway, and door leads to yet another door and memory, another inflection point in the glorious story of America,” it reads.
Trump urged Biden to cherish the historical significance of his position. He emphasized the importance of daily reflection on the presidency and the legacy of those who came before him, assuring Biden of his potential to make a meaningful impact.
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The New York Times has obtained the letter President Trump left for President Biden in the Oval Office in 2021.
The letter — which Trump wrote by hand using his signature black Sharpie — is printed in Biden’s forthcoming presidential memoir.
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The note contrasted the usual pathways of presidencies with the opportunity ahead for Biden. Trump noted that many past leaders have simply drifted along party lines without making substantial changes, but he believed Biden cared deeply about the American populace.
In closing, Trump reminded Biden of the immense responsibility tied to his role, stating, “Your strength, your deepest reservoir of energy, comes from the knowledge that millions upon millions of people are depending on you. Their ambitions and aspirations are the reason you are here, with so many counting on your success.”
“May God bless you and Jill, and may God bless America!”
The tradition of outgoing presidents leaving a note in the Resolute Desk began with Ronald Reagan in 1989 and has been honored by all predecessors since. In his memoir, Biden reflects on feeling as if there were “two Donald Trumps” given the contradictory nature of his presidency. He acknowledged that while Trump had “deeply destabilized our democracy,” his letter presented a warmer image, akin to that of an old friend.
As the roles are set to reverse in January 2025, Biden will leave a note for Trump labeled “47.” Trump described this future letter as “very nice” and “a little bit of an inspirational-type letter,” which was also shared publicly shortly thereafter. Up until recently, the contents of the 2021 correspondence between Trump and Biden remained private, only coming to light with the release of Promise Me, America.
