Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
The Making of Donald Trump summary
How Donald Trump rose to the pinnacle of power
16 mins
Brief summary
'The Making of Donald Trump' by David Cay Johnston offers an in-depth look at the life and career of the current US President. It exposes his business practices, personal conduct and political affiliations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the presidency.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Making of Donald Trump
Summary of 7 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 7
Donald Trump has manipulated the media to help create a fictionalized version of himself.
If you’re wondering how Trump attracted so many voters in 2016, it’s important to look at the public image he constructed. He’s positioned himself as a savior, a sort of modern Midas with the ability to step in and turn any project into gold.
Trump has a deep understanding of the media’s workings, preferences and weaknesses. Because of this understanding, he has been able to craft a public image that has captured the public imagination.
Many journalists work under strict deadlines, which don’t always allow for in-depth research. Trump is keenly aware of this weakness, which is why he feeds the media ready-to-print stories, complete with images that support his agenda.
He’s had years of practice at this, and the stories he delivers are often full of deception.
In the 1970s, for instance, he agreed to a lawsuit settlement that forced him to accept non-white tenants in his New York apartments. But when he spoke to the press, he spun the story to emphasize that he didn’t have to admit any guilt in the “minor settlement.”
And in June of 2015, when Trump announced his presidential campaign, it already looked like a success; the auditorium at Trump Tower was filled with young people cheering enthusiastically. Yet this was a carefully staged event for the press. Many of the participants were extras who had been hired for $50 to smile and clap.
Trump’s history of media deception even includes him posing as fictional people within his organization during phone interviews to plant favorable stories that cast him in a positive light.
In 1980, he called the New York Times pretending to be “John Baron,” the vice president of The Trump Organization. He then attempted to dispel the rumors about a work of art that had gone missing at one of his construction sites, in the hopes of preventing a scandal.
Years later, this time with People magazine, he claimed to be an assistant named “John Miller.” As Miller, Trump told the reporter that his boss – that is, Donald Trump – was unable to give an interview due to so many beautiful celebrities, such as Madonna and Kim Basinger, also vying for his attention.
Want to see all full key ideas from The Making of Donald Trump?
Key ideas in The Making of Donald Trump
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Making of Donald Trump about?
The Making of Donald Trump (2016) examines the man behind the highly polished public figure presented to the media – and now the voting public – of America. His thousands of court cases and shady business dealings give a clear picture of the deception and dishonesty that Donald Trump would rather keep out of public view. Now more than ever before, it’s crucial that people know whom they’re dealing with.
The Making of Donald Trump Review
The Making of Donald Trump (2016) is an eye-opening exploration of the life and career of Donald Trump, offering valuable insights into his rise to power and the methods he used along the way. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:
- Unveiling the truth behind Trump's business dealings and political career, the book provides a comprehensive and well-researched account.
- With its examination of Trump's character and motivations, it offers a deeper understanding of the man behind the public persona.
- The book's critical analysis of Trump's impact on politics and society sheds light on important issues that continue to shape our world today.
Best quote from The Making of Donald Trump
Donald Trump has been involved in more than 4,000 legal battles.
—David Cay Johnston
Who should read The Making of Donald Trump?
- Anyone interested in politics or social sciences
- News junkies curious about Trump’s background
- Readers who are puzzled by Trump’s success
Categories with The Making of Donald Trump
Book summaries like The Making of Donald Trump
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Making of Donald Trump FAQs
What is the main message of The Making of Donald Trump?
The main message of The Making of Donald Trump is an in-depth exploration of the enigmatic billionaire's rise to power.
How long does it take to read The Making of Donald Trump?
The reading time for The Making of Donald Trump varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Making of Donald Trump a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Making of Donald Trump is a captivating read that sheds light on the controversial figure. It offers valuable insights and is definitely worth exploring.
Who is the author of The Making of Donald Trump?
The author of The Making of Donald Trump is David Cay Johnston.
What to read after The Making of Donald Trump?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Making of Donald Trump, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson
- Confidence Man by Maggie Haberman
- The Reckoning by Mary L. Trump
- Triggered by Donald Trump Jr.
- 5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life by Bill Eddy
- Donald Trump v. The United States by Michael S. Schmidt
- Tired of Winning by Jonathan Karl
- Melania by Melania Trump
- The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
- Trump: The Art of the Deal by Donald J. Trump