Former Governor Mark Dayton Releases Memoir ‘Perseverance,’ Recounts Trump Anecdote
Mark Dayton, former governor of Minneapolis-St. Paul, is making news with his new memoir 'Perseverance,' detailing his life, political career, and including an anecdote about Donald Trump mistaking him for Matt Damon.

Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, September 17, 2026 —
Former Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has released his new memoir, titled Perseverance. The book offers readers a look into his life and extensive political career, charting his journey through public service.
Among the personal accounts and political reflections shared in Perseverance is a notable anecdote involving Donald Trump. According to the memoir, Trump once mistook Dayton for actor Matt Damon. The specific context and details surrounding this interaction were not provided beyond the core identification error.
The memoir, Perseverance, is expected to delve into various aspects of Dayton’s time in office and his earlier career. As governor, Dayton served Minnesota from 2011 to 2019. His tenure was marked by efforts in areas such as economic development, education, and healthcare. The book aims to provide insight into the challenges and decisions faced during his governorship.
The release of the memoir introduces new personal narratives from a prominent political figure. The anecdote about Donald Trump, while specific, highlights a unique personal encounter detailed within the larger scope of Dayton’s experiences chronicled in the book. Further details regarding the contents of Perseverance are available through the book itself.
Story summarized from the original created by Deborah Copperud on racketmn.com, see more information here.