📖 Overview
The Trump White House offers an insider's account of Donald Trump's presidency based on exclusive interviews with Trump, his staff, and family members. The book covers the early years of the Trump administration, examining key events and daily operations within 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Author Ronald Kessler, a former Washington Post reporter, provides details about Trump's management style, decision-making processes, and relationships with key figures in his administration. The narrative includes perspectives from White House staff members at various levels, from senior advisors to household employees.
The book presents both public and private moments of the Trump presidency, documenting policy discussions, personal interactions, and behind-the-scenes dynamics of the administration's inner workings. Kessler draws on his experience covering multiple presidents to provide context for Trump's unique approach to the office.
The work serves as a historical record of a controversial period in American politics, raising questions about leadership styles, media relations, and the evolution of the modern presidency.
👀 Reviews
Readers note this book takes a more favorable view of Trump compared to other White House accounts from this period. Many reviewers mention Kessler's access to key figures and detailed behind-the-scenes information.
Readers appreciated:
- First-hand accounts from staff and family members
- Details about Trump's management style and daily routines
- Coverage of Melania Trump's role and influence
- Information about security protocols and procedures
Common criticisms:
- Writing style called "dry" and "repetitive"
- Some readers felt it was too sympathetic to Trump
- Limited new revelations for those who followed news closely
- Several fact-checking disputes noted in reviews
Ratings:
Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,200+ reviews)
Goodreads: 3.4/5 (1,000+ ratings)
Reader quote: "More balanced than most Trump books, but still feels like it's pulling punches" - Goodreads reviewer
"Interesting logistics and procedural details, but light on substance" - Amazon reviewer
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🤔 Interesting facts
🔸 Despite being a journalist who wrote critically about Trump, Kessler was given unprecedented access to the White House and conducted extensive interviews with Trump and his staff during his presidency.
🔸 The book reveals that Trump's daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner pushed for the firing of FBI Director James Comey, a decision that ultimately led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
🔸 Ronald Kessler is a former Washington Post and Wall Street Journal reporter who has written 21 books, including several bestsellers about the Secret Service, FBI, and CIA.
🔸 According to the book, Trump would often call staff members late at night or early in the morning to discuss ideas or articles he had read, showing his unconventional working style.
🔸 The book details how Trump's preference for well-done steak with ketchup became a source of quiet derision among White House kitchen staff, who were trained to prepare sophisticated cuisine for world leaders.