Former US President Joe Biden has disclosed that Donald Trump once expressed his belief that they could have been “good friends” if not for politics. In his upcoming memoir, Promise Me, America, Biden recounts visiting the White House in November 2024, where Trump, then president-elect, adopted an unexpectedly friendly tone, even praising Biden’s record on job creation as “extraordinary.”
Biden recalls being taken aback by Trump’s comments and described the former president as “chatty” and almost “fawning.” Trump allegedly said, “You know, Joe, if it weren’t for politics, I believe we’d be good friends,” adding that they would spend their time golfing together.
The meeting was scheduled for 30 minutes but extended to nearly two hours. Biden, now 83, mentioned that his health has affected his ability to promote his memoir due to a diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer last year, which has led him to reduce in-person appearances. He stated, “Some days are better than others. It hasn’t stopped me. But sometimes it slows me down.”
Concerns about Biden’s health and mental fitness were prominent during his second term and his 2024 campaign, especially after a challenging debate performance against Trump. Critics suggested that the administration concealed the true extent of his health issues, leading to a difficult electoral cycle for the Democrats.
Jill Biden, the former first lady, has discussed the impact of her husband’s cancer diagnosis, stating it has helped them appreciate each day and reassess their priorities. She explained on The View, “Joe’s cancer diagnosis really puts life into perspective… you think, ‘What’s the point?’”
