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Triggered summary

Donald Trump Jr.

How the Left Thrives on Hate and Wants to Silence Us

3.8 (115 ratings)
19 mins

Brief summary

Triggered by Donald Trump Jr. is a memoir that boldly details the author's political views. It reveals the insider story of the American First movement
and how it impacted his life.

Table of Contents

    Triggered
    Summary of 6 key ideas

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    Key idea 1 of 6

    The left’s overemphasis on identity only entrenches division.

    The great American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. once famously described a dream he had of a world where people were judged on the content of their character rather than the color of their skin.

    For all their talk of equality, the American left today is calling for us to do precisely the opposite; to pay more attention to the color of everyone’s skin than the content of their character.

    And not only the color of their skin, but also their gender, and sexual orientation. The left works hard to accentuate everybody's differences even while they claim to want to reconcile them.

    Indeed, people on the left wear identity labels like medals on their lapels. These labels give you a certain social capital in leftist circles. And the more “oppressed“ identity categories a person belongs to, the more social capital they have. If you identify as a genderqueer, pansexual person of color, you’ve pretty much got all your bases covered.

    These labels signify to others on the left how much weight to accord a person’s experiences and opinions. While these identities no doubt hold personal importance for the people who express them, they also function like status symbols among leftists.

    Of course, there are a few identity labels that aren’t in vogue. If you find yourself in the wrong circle and you’re unfortunate enough to be afflicted by wealth, whiteness or masculinity, you would be well advised to keep your mouth shut. Your opinion isn’t wanted, and anyway, your admittance to these circles is only provisional until you slip up and say the wrong thing.

    If you belong to the right identities, however, you can practically speak with impunity. The truth is, the value that the left accords to a person’s opinion has more to do with who’s speaking than with what they’re saying.

    For example, when people began questioning the actor Jussie Smollett’s story of being attacked by two white men wearing Make America Great Again hats, they were immediately labeled racist online for the mere act of doubting a person of color. It turned out in the end that Smollett had fabricated the story.

    By some strange logic, the left has determined that the views of people who have been oppressed are beyond reproach. But this is prejudicial thinking. We shouldn’t be assessing people’s claims and arguments differently depending on whose mouth they come out of.

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    What is Triggered about?

    In Triggered (2019), Trump Jr. presents an excoriating critique of contemporary left-wing politics in the United States. These blinks expose what Trump Jr. perceives as the violent and hypocritical tactics used by the left to advance its agenda, from rampant political correctness to online abuse. They also explore the author’s belief that the greatest threat to freedom of speech today comes from the left.

    Triggered Review

    Triggered (2019) by Donald Trump Jr. is an inside look at the political landscape and the experiences of the author during his father's presidency. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • The book offers a unique and personal perspective on political events and controversies, providing insight into the Trump family's point of view.
    • Backed by personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, it gives readers an intimate understanding of the inner workings of the Trump administration.
    • With its unfiltered and candid approach, the book offers a raw and honest portrayal of the author's journey and the challenges he faced along the way.

    Best quote from Triggered

    Free speech and the ability to tolerate offense are the hallmarks of a free and open society.

    —Donald Trump Jr.
    example alt text

    Who should read Triggered?

    • Conservatives who want to defend themselves against hostility from the left
    • Liberals who want to engage with conservative ideas 
    • Anyone who wants to better understand the forces influencing their views and language today

    About the Author

    Donald Trump Jr. is the eldest son of US President Donald Trump. He serves as vice president of the Trump Organization, where he has overseen construction projects throughout the United States and internationally. As a political speaker and Republican fundraiser, Trump Jr. played an important role in his father’s 2016 presidential campaign.

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    Triggered FAQs 

    What is the main message of Triggered?

    The main message of Triggered is a firsthand account of the political climate and personal experiences of Donald Trump Jr.

    How long does it take to read Triggered?

    The reading time for Triggered varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Triggered a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Triggered provides unique insights into the political landscape and offers an inside perspective. It's worth a read for those interested in gaining a deeper understanding.

    Who is the author of Triggered?

    The author of Triggered is Donald Trump Jr.

    What to read after Triggered?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Triggered, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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    • I Respectfully Disagree by Justin Jones-Fosu
    • The Singularity Is Nearer by Ray Kurzweil
    • Liars, Leakers, and Liberals by Judge Jeanine Pirro
    • Critical Thinking by Richard Paul
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