More than five years after leaving office, the handwritten letter left by Donald Trump for Joe Biden has finally been made public in full, appearing alongside Biden’s upcoming memoir—marking a striking contrast.
Many readers were surprised by its tone. The letter bears little resemblance to the scathing attacks Trump later directed at Biden. Instead of referencing election disputes or ridiculing Democrats, it reflects on the weight and solemnity of the Oval Office, urging Biden to cherish the presidency and offering well-wishes. Biden himself has said reading the letter felt like encountering an entirely different Trump—one who, in contrast to the figure who refused to accept defeat and incited the January 6 Capitol riot, appears measured, respectful, and even cordial.
The context is widely known. In January 2021, following the conclusion of his first term, Trump declined to attend Biden’s inauguration, breaking a longstanding tradition of peaceful transition of power. He did not concede the 2020 election and remained defiant. Yet, consistent with White House protocol, he left behind this letter. At the time, Biden described it as kind and generous but withheld its release, choosing now to publish it in full. Written in Trump’s signature black marker on official White House stationery, the letter spans two pages.
Its release has underscored a stark contrast in Trump’s public persona. While often portrayed as combative and unorthodox, speaking in blunt, direct terms, this letter reveals a more reflective and poetic voice. It touches on the historical gravity of the presidency, the atmosphere of the White House, and the importance of considering one’s legacy—a tone far removed from his usual rhetoric.
Yet this does not signal a sudden transformation in Trump’s character. His position in 2021 was delicate: still commanding substantial support among Republicans, many of whom hesitated to distance themselves from him, while also facing intense scrutiny over his defeat and the aftermath of the Capitol insurrection. Trump has long been sensitive to his public image and unwilling to be labeled a loser. Refusing to attend the inauguration expressed discontent; writing a dignified letter preserved a sense of presidential decorum. These actions, though seemingly contradictory, served distinct purposes.
What followed is well-documented. Trump returned to the White House in 2024, swiftly dismantling policies enacted under Biden’s administration—appointing new officials, reviewing past initiatives, and reshaping approaches across immigration, energy, and foreign policy, all aimed at erasing what he views as Biden’s imprint. Criticism of Biden has remained unrestrained. In turn, Biden’s memoir contains sharp condemnations, accusing Trump of undermining American democracy.
The timeline is revealing. In 2021, Trump was the defeated candidate. By 2025, he had reclaimed the presidency—only to face a Democratic resurgence in the midterm elections, reshaping the political landscape once again.
The most compelling aspect remains the duality: fierce political polarization is real; so is the gesture of goodwill embedded in this letter. One cannot help but wonder: if Trump leaves office again in 2028, what message might he offer the next president?
Original: toutiao.com/article/1881616222703616/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.