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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.
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The Making of Donald Trump
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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.
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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
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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:
- Tired of Winning by Jonathan Karl
- Confidence Man by Maggie Haberman
- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
- The Shortest History of Economics by Andrew Leigh
- Building Your Money Machine with ChatGPT by Larry Wheeler
- Good Energy by Casey Means
- Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
- The Skill Code by Matt Beane
- Capital by Karl Marx