Internal U.S. government emails reviewed by Reuters reveal a controversial proposal from a Trump administration official: to include a children's biography praising Donald Trump in welcome packets for white South Africans arriving as refugees.
Proposal Details from HHS Official
According to a December 8 internal email, Fred Cooper, a Trump appointee serving as deputy assistant secretary in a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), suggested adding the book to the packets. The proposed title is "Donald Trump Biography for Kids: An Inspirational Story of One of America’s Most Famous Presidents."
The 89-page book, aimed at children aged 8 to 12, portrays the former president as a figure whose life "is a masterclass in determination, resilience, confidence, and dreaming big." Cooper also linked to a biography of Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president, whom Trump has frequently praised.
"I imagine these books wouldn’t be an issue?" Cooper wrote in the email. The message did not specify what the U.S. government might pay for the biographies. HHS and Cooper did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
Controversial Refugee Program and Backlash
This welcome packet, if finalized, would support President Trump's specific initiative to bring thousands of white South Africans to the United States as refugees. Trump launched this effort in early 2025, just weeks after freezing broader refugee admissions, arguing that Afrikaners face race-based violence and discrimination.
The South African government strongly denies these claims, and the program has provoked significant backlash from both South African authorities and international refugee groups. In a related move, South African officials said on Wednesday they would deport Kenyans contracted to work on the U.S. refugee program for using improper visas.
Veteran refugee workers told Reuters that while newcomers often receive materials on U.S. history and culture, it is highly unusual to promote specific presidents or political ideologies in official welcome packages.
Content of the Proposed Materials
The Trump biography covers his childhood, business career—including the bankruptcy of the Taj Mahal casino—and key events from his 2017-2021 presidency, such as border wall construction and the COVID-19 response.
A chapter titled "Challenges and Controversies" addresses his two impeachments. It references his message to supporters to "fight like hell" before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, calling it one of the "most contentious moments" of his presidency.
Cooper's email also proposed including "The 1776 Report," a document published as Trump left office that criticizes diversity-focused policies, and a religious freedom report from the conservative Family Research Council that highlights cases of business owners refusing service to same-sex couples.
The biography is published by EverNest Press, which appears to have minimal online presence. Reuters could only find it listed as the author on Amazon, which did not immediately comment.
