Biden’s book reveals ‘very generous letter’ from Trump during 2021 transition

Former President Biden has revealed the contents of what he described as a “very generous” letter his predecessor President Trump left him in the Oval Office in 2021, offering a glimpse of goodwill between the political foes after a bitter presidential election.

In the letter, published in full in Biden’s upcoming memoir, “Promise Me, America,” Trump praised Biden’s love for the country and expressed confidence in his ability to lead, according to an excerpt obtained by The New York Times .

“You now have the opportunity to choose your place in history, and I know you will be true to yourself and the American people,” Trump wrote in the letter, dated Jan. 20, 2021.

“Many presidents have come and gone who simply governed as Republicans or Democrats,” he continued. “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.”

The letter was left in an envelope addressed “To ‘46,’” referring to Biden’s place in the presidential succession. Biden told reporters shortly after taking office that Trump had left him a “very generous letter,” but declined to disclose its contents.

The White House confirmed the letter’s authenticity to NewsNation, saying in a statement that Biden did not heed to the president’s words.

“Joe Biden should have heeded the President’s wise words, but instead he tried to destroy this country and weaponize the justice system against his political enemies. Biden is a disgrace, and America is better off with him no longer as president,” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a statement.

The letter stands in sharp contrast to Trump’s public treatment of Biden, whom he repeatedly attacked during the 2020 presidential campaign before refusing to concede his election loss. Trump also broke with tradition by declining to attend Biden’s inauguration, which took place two weeks after his supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

In Biden’s book, set for release on Nov. 17, the former president acknowledged the contradiction, writing that it was “as if there were two Donald Trumps.”

Trump had “deeply destabilized our democracy” and refused to meet with him before leaving office, Biden wrote.