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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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A Warning summary
A political tell-all of an administration in disarray
25 mins
Brief summary
'A Warning' by 'Anonymous' is a first-hand account of the inner workings of the Trump administration. Anonymous reveals the chaotic and volatile nature of the White House under Trump's presidency, as well as the concerns of senior officials regarding his leadership and behavior.
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A Warning
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Key idea 1 of 8
Despite their best efforts, experienced officials are unable to rein in the president’s worst impulses.
It’s a crisp December morning, and Donald Trump is tweeting. With a few taps on his phone, the president informs the world he’s pulling U.S. forces out of Syria. It’s news to his millions of Twitter followers. Unfortunately, it’s also news to the officials at the Pentagon.
The unexpected announcement runs counter to the careful plans put together by the intelligence community. Most officials believe the move is disastrous for U.S. interests in the area. As one top aide remarks, “People are going to fucking die because of this.”
The decision is particularly disturbing to Secretary of Defense, Jim Mattis. The former Marine Corps general is a respected veteran and a sober, disciplined leader. He feels he cannot stand by such a short-sighted policy. Within a day, he announces his resignation.
By 2018, this story was typical for the Trump administration.
Despite being an unconventional candidate, Trump entered the White House with a fairly conventional team of advisors and cabinet officials. These political insiders, a so-called “steady state” of experienced policy-makers, were determined to keep the government operating somewhat normally. But the constant chaos caused by Trump’s unstable leadership was driving them away.
The key message here is: Despite their best efforts, experienced officials are unable to rein in the president’s worst impulses.
The loose collection of officials who make up this “steady state” is not trying to undermine the president. They are merely trying to maintain the type of order and restraint necessary to run the country smoothly.
Trump’s impulsiveness and lack of attention make this nearly impossible. Even giving the president a standard policy briefing is a challenge. Officials normally provide the chief executive with detailed reports about complex policy issues. With Trump, aides must distill their briefings down to a single point or flashy picture. Otherwise, they’re ignored.
When the president does engage with issues, his solutions are often impractical or outright illegal. On school shootings, he has suggested arming teachers. On immigration, he’s proposed detaining migrants at Guantanamo Bay. Rather than govern, advisors must constantly steer him away from such unwise ideas.
As pragmatic administration officials leave in frustration, those who remain are die-hard supporters, like anti-immigration hardliner Stephen Miller. The danger is that Miller and those like him will only encourage the worst aspects of Trump’s character. But what exactly is Trump’s character?
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What is A Warning about?
A Warning (2019) presents a harrowing view of the inner workings of the Donald Trump presidency. Penned by an anonymous White House insider, it details the tensions and turmoil behind the scenes of the most chaotic administration in modern American history.
A Warning Review
A Warning (2019) by 'Anonymous' sheds light on the inner workings of the current US presidential administration and why our anonymity is necessary for the greater good. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:
- With insider perspectives and firsthand accounts, it provides valuable insights into the decision-making processes and actions of those in power.
- The book raises important concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the potential dangers of unchecked executive authority.
- By presenting the information in a clear and accessible manner, it keeps readers engaged and invested in understanding the state of our democracy.
Who should read A Warning?
- Concerned citizens seeking to understand the current political zeitgeist
- Political junkies eager for the latest White House gossip
- Activists hoping to hamper the current administration
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A Warning FAQs
What is the main message of A Warning?
A Warning sheds light on the unprecedented chaos within the Trump administration and urges us to protect our democracy.
How long does it take to read A Warning?
The reading time for A Warning varies, but it can be read in a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is A Warning a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Warning is a must-read for those concerned about the state of our democracy, offering insight and thought-provoking revelations.
Who is the author of A Warning?
The author of A Warning remains anonymous.
What to read after A Warning?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Warning, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Speaking for Myself by Sarah Huckabee Sanders
- A Very Stable Genius by Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig
- Principles For Dealing With the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio
- Mind Magic by James R. Doty
- Building Your Money Machine with ChatGPT by Larry Wheeler
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
- The Art of Explanation by Ros Atkins
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- Adaptive Markets by Andrew W. Lo
- You Weren’t Supposed To See That by Joshua Brown