Book title: Understanding Trump
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks!)
Author: Newt Gingrich
Overview: “Understanding Trump” by Newt Gingrich offers an insider’s perspective on Donald Trump’s ascent to the presidency and his first months in office. Published shortly after Trump’s inauguration, this book aims to demystify Trump’s behavior, decisions, and political philosophy for those who might not grasp his unconventional approach to politics.
Content: Gingrich, who has been a political figure with extensive experience, including as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, provides what he claims to be an objective analysis of Trump. The book is divided into sections discussing Trump’s personal background, his business acumen, and how these have shaped his governance style. Key topics include:
- Trump’s Unconventional Path: Highlighting Trump’s unique journey from business and celebrity to the presidency without prior political office, emphasizing his outsider status.
- Policy Insights: Gingrich elaborates on Trump’s approach to national security, education, healthcare, and economic policy, often contrasting these with traditional political solutions.
- Media and Establishment Critique: A significant part of the book is dedicated to critiquing what Gingrich views as an antagonistic media and establishment response to Trump’s presidency, suggesting a bias against Trump’s vision.
- Personal Anecdotes: Anecdotes are used to illustrate Trump’s character, work ethic, and decision-making process, painting him as a practical, decisive leader.
Critical Reception:
- Positive Feedback: Some readers and reviewers appreciate Gingrich’s attempt to explain Trump’s seemingly erratic behavior as methodical from the perspective of a businessman rather than a politician. The book is praised for offering insights into Trump’s thought processes and for its defense of Trump’s policies.
- Negative Feedback: Critics argue that the book lacks objectivity, serving more as a hagiography than a balanced analysis. Several reviews on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon point out that Gingrich’s portrayal of Trump is too laudatory, lacking in critical examination of controversial actions or policies. There’s also a sentiment that the book does not truly “understand” Trump in a way that addresses his complexities or controversies.
- Sales and Impact: The book was commercially successful, securing a spot on The New York Times Best Seller list, indicating a significant interest in understanding Trump from a supportive perspective.
OLDER NEWT GINGRICH BOOK ( He knows how the man thinks!)
Conclusion: “Understanding Trump” might appeal to those who support Trump or are curious about his administration from a sympathetic viewpoint. However, for those seeking a more balanced or critical perspective, the book might fall short due to its perceived bias. It’s an important document for understanding how Trump was perceived by one of his key political allies during his early presidency, but it should be complemented with other analyses for a fuller picture. Find a review of more books on Trump.