President Joe Biden asserts in his forthcoming memoir, "Promise Me, America," that the events of January 6, 2021, should permanently be associated with former President Donald Trump. "What Trump did on January 6, 2021, should never be forgotten. It should follow him to his grave," Biden writes, according to early excerpts published by The Atlantic.

The memoir, set to go on sale November 17, offers Biden's reflections on Trump's presidency and actions. It includes sharp criticism of Trump's decision to issue pardons and clemency to defendants involved in the January 6 Capitol attack on his final day in office. Biden also expresses disapproval of Trump's failure to hold a formal ceremony honoring the Capitol Police officers who defended the building.

Biden further recounts a private meeting with Trump in November 2024, shortly after Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the presidential election, following Biden's withdrawal from the race. He describes Trump's demeanor during their nearly two-hour discussion in the Oval Office as unexpectedly warm and almost overly friendly, bordering on fawning.

According to Biden's account, Trump expressed a sentiment of potential friendship outside of politics, stating, "You know, Joe, if it weren’t for politics, I believe we’d be good friends." Biden noted Trump's compliments regarding his job creation record and relief that he did not have to run against him.

The memoir details how Biden attempted to steer the conversation toward substantive policy issues, but observed that Trump seemed more preoccupied with the personal characteristics of world leaders. Biden characterized this focus as akin to sharing gossip rather than discussing significant global matters.

Biden criticizes Trump's post-presidency actions and rhetoric, particularly the continued assertion of having won the 2020 election. He writes that Trump "took a wrecking ball to our traditions and institutions—at times literally, as when he tore down the East Wing of the White House (after promising that he would not)."

While acknowledging that presidential policies are subject to political change by successors, Biden argues that this vulnerability was amplified by what he describes as Trump's "dismissive and destructive nature." The memoir is expected to provide further insights into Biden's perspectives on Trump's impact on American governance and institutions.

The revelations from "Promise Me, America" offer a stark contrast between the public political animosity and the private interactions described by Biden, shedding light on his critical view of Trump's presidency and its lasting implications.