A historical document written by Thomas Jefferson in 1787 is currently available for purchase from a private collector. The letter was composed while Jefferson was serving as the United States minister to France and is addressed to David Rittenhouse, a prominent scientist and fellow member of the American Philosophical Society.

The content of the letter focuses on Jefferson's reflections regarding the governance and future success of the newly established American nation. While the document is a piece of historical correspondence, its emergence on the market has prompted contemporary political commentary. The Guardian reports that the letter contains principles that serve as a critique of modern political figures, specifically suggesting that Jefferson’s advice acts as a warning against the actions taken by Donald Trump during his second term in office.

Because only one source was provided for this report, there is no conflicting information regarding the physical state or provenance of the letter. The primary point of divergence in the narrative is the interpretation of the letter's relevance; while the document is objectively a historical artifact from the 18th century, the framing of its significance is heavily tied to current American partisan politics.