The Making of Donald Trump by David Cay Johnston

Last updated: Aug 7, 2023

Summary of The Making of Donald Trump by David Cay Johnston

The Making of Donald Trump by David Cay Johnston is a comprehensive exploration of the life and career of the 45th President of the United States. The book delves into Trump's upbringing, business ventures, and political aspirations, shedding light on the factors that shaped his personality and ultimately led to his rise to power.

Johnston begins by examining Trump's childhood, highlighting his privileged upbringing and the influence of his father, Fred Trump, a successful real estate developer. He explores how Trump's early experiences in the family business instilled in him a drive for wealth and success, as well as a penchant for self-promotion.

The author then delves into Trump's business ventures, providing a detailed account of his various real estate projects, casinos, and branding deals. Johnston reveals Trump's frequent use of controversial tactics, such as exaggeration, deception, and intimidation, to achieve his goals. He also exposes Trump's numerous business failures, including bankruptcies and lawsuits, which raise questions about his financial acumen and ethical practices.

Furthermore, Johnston explores Trump's involvement in the world of professional wrestling and reality television, highlighting how these ventures contributed to his public image and popularity. He also examines Trump's relationships with influential figures, including politicians, celebrities, and mobsters, revealing the extent of his connections and the potential implications for his political career.

The book then delves into Trump's entry into politics, chronicling his controversial presidential campaign and eventual victory in the 2016 election. Johnston analyzes Trump's campaign strategies, including his use of inflammatory rhetoric and his ability to tap into the frustrations of a significant portion of the American electorate.

Throughout the book, Johnston raises concerns about Trump's character, ethics, and fitness for office. He highlights instances of alleged fraud, tax evasion, and questionable business practices, painting a picture of a man driven by self-interest and a disregard for the rule of law.

In conclusion, The Making of Donald Trump provides a comprehensive and critical examination of the life and career of Donald Trump. It offers insights into the factors that shaped his personality and business practices, as well as the tactics he employed to achieve success. The book raises important questions about Trump's suitability for the presidency and provides readers with a deeper understanding of the man who would go on to become one of the most controversial figures in modern American politics.

1. Trump's Business Tactics

In "The Making of Donald Trump," David Cay Johnston provides a deep dive into Trump's business tactics, revealing a pattern of behavior that is both ruthless and cunning. One key takeaway is Trump's use of litigation as a weapon. Johnston explains how Trump would often file lawsuits against his opponents, not necessarily to win, but to drain their resources and force them into submission. This tactic allowed Trump to gain an advantage in negotiations and ultimately come out on top.

Another interesting insight is Trump's reliance on debt to finance his ventures. Johnston explains how Trump would often borrow large sums of money to fund his projects, taking advantage of low interest rates and using his brand name as collateral. While this strategy allowed Trump to expand his empire rapidly, it also left him highly leveraged and vulnerable to economic downturns. Understanding these tactics can provide valuable insights into Trump's approach to business and decision-making.

2. Trump's Relationship with the Media

The book also delves into Trump's complex relationship with the media, shedding light on his ability to manipulate and control the narrative. Johnston explains how Trump would often use his connections and influence to shape media coverage in his favor. He would leak stories, provide exclusive interviews, and use his larger-than-life persona to dominate the news cycle.

Furthermore, Johnston highlights Trump's skill in using social media to bypass traditional media channels and communicate directly with his supporters. Trump's mastery of Twitter, in particular, allowed him to bypass fact-checking and present his unfiltered message to millions of followers. Understanding Trump's media tactics can provide valuable insights into his political strategy and how he maintains a strong base of support.

3. Trump's Tax Strategies

One of the most intriguing aspects of "The Making of Donald Trump" is the exploration of Trump's tax strategies. Johnston reveals how Trump has used various loopholes and deductions to minimize his tax liability. For example, Trump has been known to exploit the tax code's treatment of real estate investments, allowing him to offset income with losses and significantly reduce his tax burden.

Understanding Trump's tax strategies can shed light on his approach to policy-making and his views on taxation. It also raises important questions about fairness and equity in the tax system, as Trump's ability to minimize his tax liability stands in contrast to the average American taxpayer.

4. Trump's Relationship with Women

The book also delves into Trump's relationships with women, providing insights into his attitudes and behaviors. Johnston highlights Trump's history of objectifying women and his alleged mistreatment of them. He explores Trump's marriages, affairs, and interactions with female employees, painting a picture of a man who views women primarily as objects of desire or tools for his own advancement.

Understanding Trump's attitudes towards women is crucial in evaluating his character and leadership style. It raises important questions about his ability to respect and value women's contributions and rights, particularly in positions of power.

5. Trump's Political Ambitions

"The Making of Donald Trump" also offers valuable insights into Trump's political ambitions and his path to the presidency. Johnston explores Trump's flirtation with politics over the years, including his brief run for the presidency in 2000 and his involvement in the birther movement. He also examines Trump's motivations for seeking the highest office and his ability to tap into the frustrations and aspirations of a significant portion of the American electorate.

Understanding Trump's political ambitions can provide valuable insights into his policy decisions and his approach to governance. It also raises important questions about the role of celebrity and populism in modern politics.

6. Trump's Financial Successes and Failures

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of Trump's financial successes and failures, offering insights into his business acumen and decision-making. Johnston explores Trump's early successes in real estate, his foray into the casino industry, and his ventures in various other industries.

Understanding Trump's financial successes and failures can provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. It highlights the importance of risk management, adaptability, and strategic decision-making in achieving long-term success.

7. Trump's Relationship with his Father

Johnston also delves into Trump's relationship with his father, Fred Trump, providing insights into the influence and dynamics that shaped Trump's character and business approach. He explores how Fred Trump's wealth and connections provided a launching pad for Donald Trump's career and how their relationship influenced Trump's drive for success.

Understanding Trump's relationship with his father can provide valuable insights into his motivations and the values that underpin his actions. It also raises important questions about the role of privilege and inheritance in shaping an individual's path to success.

8. Trump's Populist Appeal

Finally, "The Making of Donald Trump" delves into Trump's populist appeal and his ability to connect with a significant portion of the American electorate. Johnston explores how Trump tapped into the frustrations and anxieties of working-class Americans, promising to bring back jobs and restore America's greatness.

Understanding Trump's populist appeal can provide valuable insights into the current political landscape and the factors that contribute to the rise of populist leaders. It also raises important questions about the role of economic inequality and cultural anxieties in shaping political outcomes.