Biden publishes Trump's letter wishing him to change the course of history

Revealing the secret of the Oval Office

Joe Biden, who won the 2020 presidential election, has published the full text of a farewell letter from his predecessor, Donald Trump, for the first time. The document appeared in the former president's new book, "Promise Me, America", according to The New York Times.

The letter is dated 20 January 2021 — the very day Biden was inaugurated. As the author recounts, Trump left a message in the Oval Office in an envelope marked "To the 46th", as Biden became the 46th president of the United States. The text was written on official White House letterhead and signed with a black marker.

Wishes to change history

In the letter, Donald Trump described working in the Oval Office as "a blessing beyond imagination". He emphasised that history is present in every detail of the residence — from paintings and statues to staircases and corridors. The former president advised his successor to find time every day to appreciate the weight of his office and to remember the predecessors who shaped the course of world history.

"Now you have the opportunity to choose your place in history, and I know that you will remain true to yourself and the American people," Trump emphasised. ("Now you have the opportunity to choose your place in history, and I know that you will remain true to yourself and the American people")

The Republican added that many presidents had not changed the course of history but merely followed its current. "That will not happen with you, because I know how much you love the American people," the message reads. ("That will not happen with you, because I know how much you love the American people")

Responsibility to the country

The document also mentions responsibility to citizens: "You are not only connected to the past, but you also carry on your shoulders the hopes and dreams of the entire country". ("You are not only connected to the past, but you also carry on your shoulders the hopes and dreams of the entire country") Trump called the awareness of this responsibility a support when making decisions. He underlined that the source of presidential strength must be the understanding that millions of people depend on the head of state.

Trump concluded the letter with wishes for Biden and his wife Jill's well-being: "May God bless you and Jill, and may God bless America!" ("May God bless you and Jill, and may God bless America!")

Contrast with public statements

In the first week after taking office, Joe Biden told journalists that he had received a "very kind letter" from his predecessor, although he did not reveal its contents at the time. In his book, he noted that this message contrasted with the public statements of Donald Trump, who, in Biden's view, "seriously destabilised our democracy" and did not offer to hold a traditional meeting after the election.