In a forthcoming memoir, Joe Biden has issued a stinging condemnation of Donald Trump, asserting that the former president’s conduct during the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack is a burden that “should follow him to his grave.” The remarks, featured in an excerpt of the book titled "Promise Me, America," represent some of the most pointed criticisms Biden has leveled against his successor since the conclusion of his own presidency.
The book, scheduled for release on November 17, offers an intimate look at Biden’s perspectives on the 2024 election cycle, his private interactions with Trump, and his ongoing battle with cancer. An excerpt published in The Atlantic on Monday highlights Biden’s belief that Trump “led an insurrection” and sharply criticizes the decision to offer pardons to those involved in the Capitol riot.
Condemnation of the January 6 Insurrection
Biden’s memoir focuses heavily on the legacy of the January 6 attack, specifically targeting Trump's rhetoric and subsequent actions regarding the defendants. Biden argues that the individuals who participated in the violence should have faced the full weight of the law rather than the possibility of executive clemency.
“The criminals who attacked law-enforcement officers that day didn’t deserve pardons,” Biden wrote. “They deserved prison terms.”
He further challenged the narrative that Trump and his base are the true allies of the police. Biden characterized the behavior of Trump’s supporters as a performance, noting that they “continue to preen and posture” as law enforcement advocates while ignoring the physical reality of the officers who were assaulted during the riot. He specifically cited instances of police being punched, speared, and sprayed with chemicals, arguing that one cannot claim to be a friend of law enforcement while turning a blind eye to such brutality.
The Post-Election Meeting and Trump’s Flattery
The memoir also provides a rare glimpse into the private meeting between the two leaders following the 2024 election. This traditional briefing, where the sitting president prepares the incoming president for the challenges of the office, reportedly took a turn toward the surreal. Biden described Trump’s demeanor during the two-hour session as “bordering on fawning.”
According to the text, Trump praised Biden’s economic record, calling his performance on job creation “extraordinary.” Trump also reportedly expressed a sense of relief that he did not have to face Biden as an opponent in the general election. Biden admitted to being “too stunned to respond” when Trump suggested that the two men would likely be “good friends” if not for the constraints of modern politics.
Biden noted that he attempted to steer the conversation toward serious global matters that would define the next four years. However, he observed a “curious pattern” in Trump’s responses. Rather than engaging with the complexities of international policy, Biden claims Trump was more interested in discussing the personalities and “gossip” surrounding various world leaders, treating the briefing more like a social gathering than a high-level security meeting.
The Pardon Controversy and Executive Action
The tension regarding executive pardons remains a central theme in the political friction between the two men. In a September interview with Time magazine, Trump indicated he was considering pardoning members of his own administration before the end of his term. Trump pointed to Biden’s own use of the pardon power as a justification for his potential actions.
Biden had previously issued preemptive pardons for several individuals, including:
* Hunter Biden and other family members
* Members of the congressional Jan. 6 committee
* Dr. Anthony Fauci
* Former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley
Biden’s memoir frames his criticism of Trump’s Jan. 6 pardons as a matter of justice for law enforcement, contrasting the legal treatment of the rioters with the political nature of the pardons issued to his own staff and family.
Biden’s Health and the Future
Beyond the political revelations, the memoir provides an update on Biden’s personal health. In a post on X on Sunday, the former president shared that his ongoing fight against cancer has begun to impact his schedule. He informed the public that he would not be able to participate in as many promotional events or conversations about the book as he had originally intended.
Biden acknowledged that the illness “slows me down” on certain days, though he remains committed to sharing his story through the release of "Promise Me, America" this November.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Joe Biden’s new book being released?
Joe Biden’s memoir, titled "Promise Me, America," is scheduled to be published on November 17.
What did Donald Trump say to Joe Biden during their post-election meeting?
According to the memoir, Trump praised Biden’s job creation record as “extraordinary,” said he was relieved he didn’t have to run against him, and suggested they would be “good friends” if not for politics.
Why is Joe Biden limiting his book tour?
Biden announced on social media that his fight against cancer has slowed him down, preventing him from doing as many conversations about his book as he had hoped.