ATLANTA (AP) — In an excerpt from his forthcoming White House memoir, "Promise Me, America," former U.S. President Joe Biden criticizes his predecessor, Donald Trump, for significantly damaging both the country and the global landscape. Biden describes Trump's administration as one that actively sought to "tear down institutions and inflame hatreds."

Biden, who is 83, reflects on the impact of Trump's false claims regarding the 2020 election defeat and the insurrection on January 6, 2021. He asserts that these elements should "follow [Trump] to his grave." This saying underscores Biden's disdain for Trump’s actions and rhetoric during and after his presidency.

The memoir, set to be released on November 17, is characterized by a sweeping indictment of Trump’s time in office. Biden emphasizes that Trump "led an insurrection" as Congress met to certify the election results favoring Biden. He argues that the individuals who stormed the Capitol were far from "peaceful protesters," noting that they arrived armed with the intent of halting the legitimate electoral process.

Biden condemns Trump for a series of pardons granted to those involved in the attack, asserting that such actions are inconsistent with being a supporter of law enforcement. "What Trump did on January 6, 2021, should never be forgotten," Biden writes, highlighting the violent actions against law enforcement during the Capitol riot.

In his memoir, Biden also critiques Trump's reversal of numerous policies, particularly those aimed at combating climate change. The former president reflects on the vulnerability of his legacy in the context of Trump's "dismissive and destructive nature," suggesting that Trump exhibited an unwillingness to build upon predecessors' achievements.

The memoir's release follows significant electoral victories for Democrats, who overcame Republicans in the midterm elections, thereby rebuking Trump's influence. Nevertheless, Biden acknowledges the electoral rejection he faced two years earlier when Trump regained power, leading to ongoing skepticism about Biden’s presidency and the Democratic Party.

Biden characterizes his memoir as a means to articulate his presidency, addressing the challenges and decisions he faced. He has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and has revealed that his illness limits his ability to engage with audiences about the book, urging readers to allow the memoir to "speak for him."

Despite his health issues, Biden expressed optimism regarding his treatment and the progress he has made, although he admitted that some days are more challenging than others.

In an unusual reflection, Biden recounts a meeting with Trump shortly after the 2020 election, during which Trump remarked on the potential for their friendship had politics not intervened. This meeting raised concerns for Biden about Trump’s willingness to respect the foundations established during his presidency.

In his memoir, Biden illustrates how this two-hour discussion instilled fears that Trump would dismantle significant components of his administration. He describes the early days of Trump’s presidency as one marked by a "crueler government" intent on undermining tradition and societal foundations.

The title "Promise Me, America" resonates with Biden's previous work "Promise Me, Dad," which reflected on his late son Beau's battle with cancer. This parallel indicates an awareness of Biden's age and health, acknowledging the possible brevity of his post-presidential years and the essential dialogue concerning his legacy and the nation's direction.

Biden’s concluding thoughts in his social media post reiterate his long-standing belief in the foundational American ideal that "all of us are created equal," concluding with a call to the American people to remember that commitment to equality and justice.