David Cay Johnston

The Making of Donald Trump: A Revealing Look into America's 45th President

Introduction:
In "The Making of Donald Trump," author David Cay Johnston delves into the life and career of Donald J. Trump, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the man who would become the 45th President of the United States. Through meticulous research and extensive interviews, Johnston presents a detailed account of Trump's rise to power, shedding light on his business practices, personal life, and controversial political journey.

Key Insights:

1. Trump's Business Empire: The book explores Trump's early days as a real estate developer in New York, highlighting his penchant for grandiose projects and aggressive deal-making tactics. Johnston reveals how Trump navigated the world of real estate, often resorting to questionable practices, including alleged tax evasion and exploiting legal loopholes.
2. Trump's Relationships and Personal Life: Johnston examines the various relationships in Trump's life, including his marriages, friendships, and family dynamics. The author reveals Trump's pattern of surrounding himself with individuals who are loyal and subservient, while alienating those who challenge or criticize him.
3. Trump's Branding and Media Persona: Johnston explores how Trump meticulously crafted his image as a larger-than-life billionaire, leveraging the power of media and celebrity culture to increase his visibility and influence. The book delves into Trump's reality TV show, "The Apprentice," and its role in shaping public perception of him as a successful businessman.
4. Trump's Political Ambitions: The author traces Trump's political aspirations, from his flirtation with presidential runs in the late 1980s and 1990s to his eventual campaign and election in 2016. Johnston argues that Trump's political rise was born out of a culmination of factors, including his desire for power, a deeply divisive political climate, and the exploitation of populist sentiments.

Main Arguments:

1. Business Practices and Ethical Concerns: Johnston raises serious questions about Trump's business practices, highlighting instances of alleged fraud, tax evasion, and questionable financial dealings. The author argues that these practices, while not necessarily illegal, reveal a pattern of unethical behavior and a disregard for the consequences of his actions.
2. Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Johnston asserts that Trump has consistently avoided transparency and accountability throughout his career, refusing to release his tax returns, obscuring details about his financial holdings, and avoiding scrutiny of his business dealings. The book suggests that this lack of transparency raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and a lack of accountability to the American people.
3. Manipulation of Media and Public Perception: Johnston explores how Trump has skillfully manipulated the media to his advantage, using his celebrity status and bombastic personality to dominate news cycles and control the narrative about himself. The author argues that Trump's mastery of media manipulation has allowed him to cultivate a dedicated base of supporters who are willing to overlook his controversies and embrace his rhetoric.
4. Populist Appeal and Divisive Politics: Johnston contends that Trump's political success stems from his ability to tap into the frustrations and anxieties of a significant portion of the American population. The book argues that Trump's divisive rhetoric and promises to "drain the swamp" resonated with many disillusioned voters, leading to his unexpected victory in the 2016 presidential election.

Significant Evidence:

1. Court documents and public records: Johnston references legal cases and documents to substantiate claims of alleged fraud, tax evasion, and unethical business practices in Trump's real estate ventures.
2. Interviews and firsthand accounts: The author draws on interviews with former employees, business associates, and individuals who have had personal interactions with Trump to provide insights into his character and behavior.
3. Financial analysis and reporting: Johnston analyzes Trump's financial records, business deals, and tax filings, uncovering discrepancies and inconsistencies that raise questions about his financial practices and potential conflicts of interest.
4. Media coverage and Trump's own statements: The book examines how Trump has used the media to his advantage, citing examples from news reports, interviews, and Trump's own tweets to illustrate his manipulation of public perception.

Conclusion:
"The Making of Donald Trump" offers readers a comprehensive and revealing look into the life and career of one of the most polarizing figures in modern American politics. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, author David Cay Johnston provides a critical examination of Trump's business practices, personal life, and political ambitions. The book raises important questions about transparency, accountability, and the impact of media manipulation on contemporary politics, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the man who would become the 45th President of the United States.