Donald Trump v. The United States Book Summary - Donald Trump v. The United States Book explained in key points
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Donald Trump v. The United States summary

Michael S. Schmidt

Inside the Struggle to Stop a President

3.9 (63 ratings)
29 mins

Brief summary

'Donald Trump v. The United States' by Michael S. Schmidt is a meticulously researched exposé of President Trump's conflicts with the Justice Department and FBI, revealing the inner workings of the Trump White House and the epic war between Trump and the US government.

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    Donald Trump v. The United States
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    The FBI’s involvement in the 2016 election was related to events that had happened years earlier.

    In many ways, the 2016 US presidential election was unprecedented. No elected president had ever run a campaign quite like Donald Trump. For most candidates, having no real political experience, filing for bankruptcy six different times, and bragging – on tape – about grabbing women would all lead to defeat. But not for Donald Trump.

    Trump not only survived the kind of gaffes that would bring most campaigns to a screeching halt, he went on to beat a presidential candidate that many analysts considered the most qualified person alive. There are many theories as to how and why this happened, but there’s little doubt that the FBI played an unusually significant role in the run-up to the election.

    The key message here is: The FBI’s involvement in the 2016 election was related to events that had happened years earlier.

    The FBI’s influence on the election was primarily centered around Hillary Clinton’s work emails during her time as Secretary of State – more specifically, emails associated with the September 11, 2012 attack on the American embassy in Benghazi, Libya. 

    At that time, there was also a presidential election going on. And Republican candidate Mitt Romney was quick to use the incident to his advantage by issuing a statement that criticized the Obama administration for being soft on terrorists.

    Now, prior to this event, it was widely accepted that the date September 11 was off-limits for partisan political jabs. Many Republicans, including senior ranking senator John McCain, expressed their displeasure with Romney breaking this tradition – especially since the full picture of what had happened at Benghazi was far from clear.

    As the author sees it, Romney’s aggressive tactics following the Benghazi attack marked a turning point in American politics. It emboldened those who questioned Obama’s patriotism and suspected he was terrorist-friendly. This was especially true of the Tea Party members and right-wing politicians who, in 2014, eventually pressured Republicans into launching an investigation into Benghazi.

    It was during this investigation that Hillary Clinton’s emails were combed through; it was discovered that she’d been using a private email address. At the time, the investigators thought little of this detail. But it wasn’t going to go away.

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    What is Donald Trump v. The United States about?

    Donald Trump v. The United States (2020) tells the story of the 2016 presidential campaign and the subsequent Special Counsel investigation into the Trump administration. It details the ways in which the investigation was assisted by the White House counsel – and how it was curtailed by Trump and the Justice Department.

    Donald Trump v. The United States Review

    Donald Trump v. The United States (2020) by Michael S. Schmidt provides an insightful look into the legal battles and controversies surrounding the Trump administration. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With detailed inside knowledge and extensive research, it provides a comprehensive account of the events that shaped Trump's presidency.
    • The book explores the complex legal issues surrounding Trump's actions, shedding light on the intricate workings of the US justice system.
    • Through its unbiased analysis and balanced approach, it offers readers a chance to form their own opinions, initiating a meaningful dialogue about democracy and accountability.

    Best quote from Donald Trump v. The United States

    Where are my fucking lawyers? All I have is Mr. Magoo, Mr. Peepers, and you, Trump said to McGahn...

    —Michael S. Schmidt
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    Who should read Donald Trump v. The United States?

    • News junkies
    • Citizens concerned about US democracy
    • People curious about the Mueller investigation

    About the Author

    Michael S. Schmidt has worked at the New York Times since 2005, during which time he’s gone from answering phones at the foreign desk to being awarded two Pulitzer Prizes. He previously covered sports and gained recognition for his reporting on the use of performance-enhancing drugs. He is now a seasoned Washington correspondent.

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    Donald Trump v. The United States FAQs 

    What is the main message of Donald Trump v. The United States?

    The main message of Donald Trump v. The United States is a comprehensive account of Trump's presidency and the events surrounding his impeachment.

    How long does it take to read Donald Trump v. The United States?

    The estimated reading time for Donald Trump v. The United States varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in a matter of minutes.

    Is Donald Trump v. The United States a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Donald Trump v. The United States is a thought-provoking and illuminating book that provides valuable insights into one of the most controversial periods of American politics.

    Who is the author of Donald Trump v. The United States?

    The author of Donald Trump v. The United States is Michael S. Schmidt.

    What to read after Donald Trump v. The United States?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Donald Trump v. The United States, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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