Summary of The Making of Donald Trump by David Cay Johnston

Explore the wild and scandalous journey through Trump's life in 'The Making of Donald Trump' by David Cay Johnston-a must-read for political drama lovers!

Let's dive into the extravagant world of Donald Trump, shall we? The Making of Donald Trump is a delightful journey through the glittering façade of America's most polarizing businessman and politician, penned by the keen-eyed journalist David Cay Johnston. Spoiler alert: It's not all goldplated skyscrapers and reality TV drama-there's a lot more shenanigans behind the scenes!

This book is less a biography and more of a forensic examination of Trump's public and private life, giving you the dirt on how he became the walking headline we all love to hate. Johnston, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, peels back the layers of Trump's empire, revealing a tangled web of tax dodges, dubious business deals, and outrageous claims. Honestly, if there were an Olympic sport for shady dealings, Trump would be an undisputed champion.

Johnston starts by taking us back to Trump's childhood. Born into wealth, our dear Donald quickly learned that privilege can shield you from consequences-at least for a while. His father, Fred Trump, was a big wheel in the construction game, and you can bet young Donald was taking notes on how to turn a $1 million loan into a $10 billion empire-or at least that's the story he sells.

As we move through the chapters, there's no shortage of eyebrow-raising anecdotes. Did you know he once paid off a lawyer in a bunch of used casino chips? Yeah, that should tell you everything about his business ethics. Johnston profiles Trump's rise in real estate, from his early struggles to his skyrocketing fortunes, marked by questionable partnerships and an uncanny ability to declare bankruptcy without losing his lavish lifestyle.

But wait, it's not all boardrooms and tall buildings-Johnston reveals Trump's infamous dealings in the casino business, where the phrase "the house always wins" seems to have been lost on him. The author recounts Trump's infamous Atlantic City ventures, where he managed to lose money while everybody else was raking it in. At this point, the book feels less like a biography and more like an episode of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

The real kicker? Johnston tackles Trump's unprecedented run for the presidency. You know, the one that made America collectively roll its eyes and laugh (and then weep). Johnston analyzes how Trump's brand, built on reality TV charisma and a knack for sensationalism, led him straight to the White House. It's as if he took "fake it till you make it" to an entirely new level-or as I like to call it, "The Trump Way."

Despite the heavy topics, Johnston's writing has a witty edge-because if we can't laugh at the absurdities of our time, what's left? He's not just throwing shade; he's holding a spotlight up to the whole circus, and it's quite the show. It's a blend of journalism and dark comedy, showcasing not just who Trump is but the culture that allowed him to thrive.

So, if you're looking for a manual on success, The Making of Donald Trump might not be it-unless your idea of success revolves around brashness, lawsuits, and a ceaseless need for validation. Instead, consider it a cautionary tale wrapped in a scandalous narrative that might make you chuckle, gasp, and then question your choice of morning coffee-because let's face it, you need something strong to digest this wild ride through Trump's life.

In conclusion, Johnston gives us a ringside seat to the extravagant, controversial, and often bizarre life of Donald Trump. Whether you love him or loathe him, there's no denying he's a character straight out of a bizarre satire.and now you can find out exactly how he came to be!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.