What do you think?
Rate this book
The America We Deserve
The essential, bestselling book that first defined President Donald Trump's political ideas.
The America We Deserve is the essential book for anyone who wants to understand the core of Donald Trump's political thinking. In this book, written as he first considered running for president in 2000, Trump offers no-nonsense, populist, provocative, and dramatic solutions to issues that continue to resonate with voters today.
In this book, Trump lays out a vision for America that is strong, optimistic, and founded on core Republican principles of self-reliance, limited governance, economic growth, and equitable taxation. Striking for its similarities to President Trump's current initiatives--but also fascinating in its differences-- The America We Deserve reveals a man who is fully engaged with the nation and cares deeply about its future. Readers and voters will discover Trump's ideas on:
*Foreign policy and relations with China, Russia, North Korea, and Israel
*How to fix our broken and underperfoming education system
*Reducing regulations on business to help create jobs and economic growth
*A dramatic one-time tax on the super-wealthy to close the national debt and fuel tax cuts for the middle class
*Immigration, crime, terrorism, and more
The America We Deserve is essential reading for Trump-watchers, voters, Republicans, Democrats, and anyone interested in how Trump the businessman became Trump the president.
The America We Deserve is the essential book for anyone who wants to understand the core of Donald Trump's political thinking. In this book, written as he first considered running for president in 2000, Trump offers no-nonsense, populist, provocative, and dramatic solutions to issues that continue to resonate with voters today.
In this book, Trump lays out a vision for America that is strong, optimistic, and founded on core Republican principles of self-reliance, limited governance, economic growth, and equitable taxation. Striking for its similarities to President Trump's current initiatives--but also fascinating in its differences-- The America We Deserve reveals a man who is fully engaged with the nation and cares deeply about its future. Readers and voters will discover Trump's ideas on:
*Foreign policy and relations with China, Russia, North Korea, and Israel
*How to fix our broken and underperfoming education system
*Reducing regulations on business to help create jobs and economic growth
*A dramatic one-time tax on the super-wealthy to close the national debt and fuel tax cuts for the middle class
*Immigration, crime, terrorism, and more
The America We Deserve is essential reading for Trump-watchers, voters, Republicans, Democrats, and anyone interested in how Trump the businessman became Trump the president.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
Donald J. Trump
211 books1,618 followersDonald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who currently serves as the President of the United States in his second term.
Trump received a Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968, and his father named him president of his real estate business in 1971. Trump renamed it the Trump Organization and reoriented the company toward building and renovating skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. After a series of business failures in the late twentieth century, he successfully launched side ventures that required little capital, mostly by licensing the Trump name. From 2004 to 2015, he co-produced and hosted the reality television series The Apprentice. He and his businesses have been plaintiff or defendant in more than 4,000 state and federal legal actions, including six business bankruptcies.
Trump won the 2016 presidential election as the Republican Party nominee against Democratic Party nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton while losing the popular vote. During the campaign, his political positions were described as populist, protectionist, isolationist, and nationalist. His election and policies sparked numerous protests. He was the first U.S. president with no prior military or government experience. A special counsel investigation established that Russia had interfered in the 2016 election to favor Trump's campaign. Trump promoted conspiracy theories and made many false and misleading statements during his campaigns and presidency, to a degree unprecedented in American politics. Many of his comments and actions have been characterized as racially charged or racist and many as misogynistic.
As president, Trump ordered a travel ban on citizens from several Muslim-majority countries, diverted military funding toward building a wall on the U.S.–Mexico border, and implemented a policy of family separations for migrants detained at the U.S. border. He weakened environmental protections, rolling back more than 100 environmental policies and regulations. He signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which cut taxes for individuals and businesses and rescinded the individual health insurance mandate penalty of the Affordable Care Act. He appointed Neil Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court. He reacted slowly to the COVID-19 pandemic, ignored or contradicted many recommendations from health officials, used political pressure to interfere with testing efforts, and spread misinformation about unproven treatments. Trump initiated a trade war with China and withdrew the U.S. from the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Iran nuclear deal. He met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times but made no progress on denuclearization.
Trump refused to concede after losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, falsely claiming widespread electoral fraud, and attempted to overturn the results by pressuring government officials, mounting scores of unsuccessful legal challenges, and obstructing the presidential transition. On January 6, 2021, he urged his supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol, which many of them then attacked, resulting in multiple deaths and interrupting the electoral vote count.
Trump is the only American president to have been impeached twice. After he tried to pressure Ukraine in 2019 to investigate Biden, he was impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. He was acquitted by the Senate in February 2020. The House impeached him again in January 2021 for incitement of insurrection. The Senate acquitted him in February. Scholars and historians rank Trump as one of the worst presidents in American history.
Trump received a Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968, and his father named him president of his real estate business in 1971. Trump renamed it the Trump Organization and reoriented the company toward building and renovating skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. After a series of business failures in the late twentieth century, he successfully launched side ventures that required little capital, mostly by licensing the Trump name. From 2004 to 2015, he co-produced and hosted the reality television series The Apprentice. He and his businesses have been plaintiff or defendant in more than 4,000 state and federal legal actions, including six business bankruptcies.
Trump won the 2016 presidential election as the Republican Party nominee against Democratic Party nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton while losing the popular vote. During the campaign, his political positions were described as populist, protectionist, isolationist, and nationalist. His election and policies sparked numerous protests. He was the first U.S. president with no prior military or government experience. A special counsel investigation established that Russia had interfered in the 2016 election to favor Trump's campaign. Trump promoted conspiracy theories and made many false and misleading statements during his campaigns and presidency, to a degree unprecedented in American politics. Many of his comments and actions have been characterized as racially charged or racist and many as misogynistic.
As president, Trump ordered a travel ban on citizens from several Muslim-majority countries, diverted military funding toward building a wall on the U.S.–Mexico border, and implemented a policy of family separations for migrants detained at the U.S. border. He weakened environmental protections, rolling back more than 100 environmental policies and regulations. He signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which cut taxes for individuals and businesses and rescinded the individual health insurance mandate penalty of the Affordable Care Act. He appointed Neil Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court. He reacted slowly to the COVID-19 pandemic, ignored or contradicted many recommendations from health officials, used political pressure to interfere with testing efforts, and spread misinformation about unproven treatments. Trump initiated a trade war with China and withdrew the U.S. from the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Iran nuclear deal. He met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times but made no progress on denuclearization.
Trump refused to concede after losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, falsely claiming widespread electoral fraud, and attempted to overturn the results by pressuring government officials, mounting scores of unsuccessful legal challenges, and obstructing the presidential transition. On January 6, 2021, he urged his supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol, which many of them then attacked, resulting in multiple deaths and interrupting the electoral vote count.
Trump is the only American president to have been impeached twice. After he tried to pressure Ukraine in 2019 to investigate Biden, he was impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. He was acquitted by the Senate in February 2020. The House impeached him again in January 2021 for incitement of insurrection. The Senate acquitted him in February. Scholars and historians rank Trump as one of the worst presidents in American history.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 4, 2023
Think you know Trump? Think again!
The America We Deserve is Donald J. Trump's political manifesto and was first published in 2000 when the Reform Party was making a strong bid to recruit him as their presidential candidate (he declined). Co-authored by veteran journalist Dave Shiflett, it's a rather remarkable book for a variety of reasons the most obvious being his unprecedented 2016 scorched-earth campaign for the Republican nomination. The first thing you discover from this book is that Trump does, indeed, have a method to his campaign rhetoric madness. Accused by critics on both the left and right of being short on policy substance and long on crude entertainment value, The America We Deserve reveals a different reality. Trump outlines a detailed multi-point plan to get America on track. All of the topics covered in his 2016 campaign are detailed in this 2000 book proving both a consistency and an intellectual framework behind his rhetoric. Campaign reform, education, tax cuts, immigration, military defense, healthcare -- you name it, it's in here. He even denounces Pat Buchanan (very strongly) and David Duke (as an aside) for their racism and extremism (which is why I believe he didn't take Jake Tapper's CNN question about a KKK endorsement seriously, Trump's record speaks for itself). He also expresses admiration for a broad range of politically, racially and ethically diverse people including Rudy Giuliani, Harry Truman, FDR, Ronald Reagan, Oprah Winfrey, Colin Powell, Jesse Ventura, George HW Bush, George Pataki, Hillary Clinton (Interesting!), Jeb Bush (Interesting!), John Kasich (His VP in the general election? Who knows?), JC Watts, Mohammad Ali, Mother Theresa and many, many others. Name dropping but interesting nonetheless. Trump considers himself "an old-fashioned conservative" which he defines as a person who thinks people need to take responsibility for their lives and their actions, who believes in freedom of speech, and most importantly, freedom of conscience. He also clearly supports the Second Amendment, supports the state of Israel, thinks some kind of national healthcare is necessary, and believes some forms of abortion, specifically third trimester abortions, are immoral. He goes on record in support of minority rights including Blacks, Latinos and Homosexuals. Trump comes across as a libertarian with a strong Constitutionalist streak but with liberal instincts on some issues to support freedom of conscience, in other words, he is not hard to pin down, just hard to label using the narrow rhetoric of the left and right ideologues who attack him most severely. The book, of course, is from 2000 and many of the issues he discusses have evolved in the legislative process. But some still rage and others, like terrorism and the economy, not only remain national issues, they have developed into national crises. In this Trump is surprisingly prescient, predicting a 9-11 type attack on America and the rise of China. Think you know Trump? Not if you haven't read this book. It is highly recommended and a must read for thinking voters.
The America We Deserve is Donald J. Trump's political manifesto and was first published in 2000 when the Reform Party was making a strong bid to recruit him as their presidential candidate (he declined). Co-authored by veteran journalist Dave Shiflett, it's a rather remarkable book for a variety of reasons the most obvious being his unprecedented 2016 scorched-earth campaign for the Republican nomination. The first thing you discover from this book is that Trump does, indeed, have a method to his campaign rhetoric madness. Accused by critics on both the left and right of being short on policy substance and long on crude entertainment value, The America We Deserve reveals a different reality. Trump outlines a detailed multi-point plan to get America on track. All of the topics covered in his 2016 campaign are detailed in this 2000 book proving both a consistency and an intellectual framework behind his rhetoric. Campaign reform, education, tax cuts, immigration, military defense, healthcare -- you name it, it's in here. He even denounces Pat Buchanan (very strongly) and David Duke (as an aside) for their racism and extremism (which is why I believe he didn't take Jake Tapper's CNN question about a KKK endorsement seriously, Trump's record speaks for itself). He also expresses admiration for a broad range of politically, racially and ethically diverse people including Rudy Giuliani, Harry Truman, FDR, Ronald Reagan, Oprah Winfrey, Colin Powell, Jesse Ventura, George HW Bush, George Pataki, Hillary Clinton (Interesting!), Jeb Bush (Interesting!), John Kasich (His VP in the general election? Who knows?), JC Watts, Mohammad Ali, Mother Theresa and many, many others. Name dropping but interesting nonetheless. Trump considers himself "an old-fashioned conservative" which he defines as a person who thinks people need to take responsibility for their lives and their actions, who believes in freedom of speech, and most importantly, freedom of conscience. He also clearly supports the Second Amendment, supports the state of Israel, thinks some kind of national healthcare is necessary, and believes some forms of abortion, specifically third trimester abortions, are immoral. He goes on record in support of minority rights including Blacks, Latinos and Homosexuals. Trump comes across as a libertarian with a strong Constitutionalist streak but with liberal instincts on some issues to support freedom of conscience, in other words, he is not hard to pin down, just hard to label using the narrow rhetoric of the left and right ideologues who attack him most severely. The book, of course, is from 2000 and many of the issues he discusses have evolved in the legislative process. But some still rage and others, like terrorism and the economy, not only remain national issues, they have developed into national crises. In this Trump is surprisingly prescient, predicting a 9-11 type attack on America and the rise of China. Think you know Trump? Not if you haven't read this book. It is highly recommended and a must read for thinking voters.
November 1, 2019
When not bogged down by the conventions of either the Republican or Democrat party, Donald Trump is able to speak his mind regarding every facet of American politics and reach a broad spectrum of citizens on all sides. Writing as someone considering a run for the Presidency in 2000 – and also as a potential Reform Party candidate – Trump's views from this time align almost perfectly with my own, as they were very Centrist in nature. He was fiscally, economically, and militarily conservative, but socially liberal. He believed in lowering taxes for the majority of Americans and implementing higher taxes for the most wealthy in order to reduce (or, as he believed, eliminate) the national debt. He wanted to build up our military so that it may react properly in the event that troublesome nations such as Iran or North Korea (who are both major players in the world today) acted in a manner that was threatening to our national security. He wanted to secure job opportunities at home rather than ship them overseas in order to benefit low-income areas and marginalized demographics such as the African American and Hispanic communities. A president Trump in 2000 would have looked out for the gay community to ensure that they were treated with respect and equality under the law. Way back in 2000, he was able to prove himself as being a fervent opponent of the many outrageous and horrible things that the media constantly accuses him of supporting now during his 2016 campaign; he denounced, in no uncertain terms, blights such as racism, misogyny, Nazi sympathy (which Pat Buchanan – another Presidential candidate in 2000 – apparently supported for some deluded reason), bigotry, and other un-American ideologies. It would have been interesting to see Donald Trump's impact on America and the world had he fully committed to a run for the Presidency in 2000 and won. Based on his views from that time, I think Donald Trump would have had a legitimate chance at winning were it not for the third-party stigma afflicting this nation – in that nobody sensibly votes beyond the two major parties despite Independent candidates having, oftentimes, better ideas.
Although he is now running as a Republican, and by virtue must endorse certain social policies and beliefs that I dislike, I believe that the Donald Trump from 2000 is still running in 2016, but in a covert manner. I truly think that he still holds many of the same beliefs that he did back in 2000, no matter how contradictory they may seem now that he is the Republican nominee. For example, his show of support for the LGBTQ community after the Orlando terror shootings demonstrates his understanding of their sexuality despite the fact that Republicans oppose gay marriage and their equality under the law. Also, his reluctance to bring up any legislative talk about the LGBTQ community in a negative connotation shows that he doesn't want to embrace every single aspect of the Republican party, instead opting to both support what he truly believes to be righteous while at the same time avoiding any alienation with his core conservative supporters who may not see eye-to-eye with him. I see him balance the Trump of old with this new Trump all the time, and I think it makes him a more versatile politician because of it.
For countless other reasons, which I won't divulge here, I believe that Donald Trump is the best choice for the 2016 Presidency, for I feel that he will be a great leader for this country based on his stances outlined in The America We Deserve as well as in his more recent political book, Crippled America. Almost all of what he believed back in 2000 seems to hold true today, even if the media won't tell you that. I found that The America We Deserve served as a more all-encompassing political book explaining Trump's true political views than his actual 2016 candidacy book, Crippled America, managed to do. This book goes into far greater detail on policy stances than the latter book, and it reads much more smoothly as well (Crippled America felt like a transcript of one of his more extensive off-the-cuff political rallies, while The America We Deserve read like a more polished Trump speech). Although the references and current events may be quite outdated, the substance remains mostly unhindered by time, and much of The America We Deserve serves as a great starting point for anyone wanting to get to know the political side of Donald Trump.
I know it isn't the most popular thing right now to support Donald Trump, but if more people took the time to evaluate him based on his publicly avowed stances on political matters rather than hearsay from the (mostly biased) media, then I think they would see him as being a far more rational and calculated person than he oftentimes appears on the news. In written form, Trump is both intellectual as well as persuasive with his political arguments, whereas the Trump you see at his famous rallies is the showman side of him coming out in full-swing to get people riled up about voting this November. I think it would be unfair to judge him entirely on one aspect of his being without considering the other, so I recommend that you read this book, along with some of his others, if you want to get a better picture of the kind of President he will end up being. Not everyone will agree with him, and that's okay – I certainly do not agree with every single thing he believes in. However, I would advise that you make an attempt to know who it is you're opposing so vehemently before casting your vote in this upcoming election. A lot is on the line this time around, and simply denouncing a candidate because he "sounds mean" may not be the wisest thing to do in the long run.
Although he is now running as a Republican, and by virtue must endorse certain social policies and beliefs that I dislike, I believe that the Donald Trump from 2000 is still running in 2016, but in a covert manner. I truly think that he still holds many of the same beliefs that he did back in 2000, no matter how contradictory they may seem now that he is the Republican nominee. For example, his show of support for the LGBTQ community after the Orlando terror shootings demonstrates his understanding of their sexuality despite the fact that Republicans oppose gay marriage and their equality under the law. Also, his reluctance to bring up any legislative talk about the LGBTQ community in a negative connotation shows that he doesn't want to embrace every single aspect of the Republican party, instead opting to both support what he truly believes to be righteous while at the same time avoiding any alienation with his core conservative supporters who may not see eye-to-eye with him. I see him balance the Trump of old with this new Trump all the time, and I think it makes him a more versatile politician because of it.
For countless other reasons, which I won't divulge here, I believe that Donald Trump is the best choice for the 2016 Presidency, for I feel that he will be a great leader for this country based on his stances outlined in The America We Deserve as well as in his more recent political book, Crippled America. Almost all of what he believed back in 2000 seems to hold true today, even if the media won't tell you that. I found that The America We Deserve served as a more all-encompassing political book explaining Trump's true political views than his actual 2016 candidacy book, Crippled America, managed to do. This book goes into far greater detail on policy stances than the latter book, and it reads much more smoothly as well (Crippled America felt like a transcript of one of his more extensive off-the-cuff political rallies, while The America We Deserve read like a more polished Trump speech). Although the references and current events may be quite outdated, the substance remains mostly unhindered by time, and much of The America We Deserve serves as a great starting point for anyone wanting to get to know the political side of Donald Trump.
I know it isn't the most popular thing right now to support Donald Trump, but if more people took the time to evaluate him based on his publicly avowed stances on political matters rather than hearsay from the (mostly biased) media, then I think they would see him as being a far more rational and calculated person than he oftentimes appears on the news. In written form, Trump is both intellectual as well as persuasive with his political arguments, whereas the Trump you see at his famous rallies is the showman side of him coming out in full-swing to get people riled up about voting this November. I think it would be unfair to judge him entirely on one aspect of his being without considering the other, so I recommend that you read this book, along with some of his others, if you want to get a better picture of the kind of President he will end up being. Not everyone will agree with him, and that's okay – I certainly do not agree with every single thing he believes in. However, I would advise that you make an attempt to know who it is you're opposing so vehemently before casting your vote in this upcoming election. A lot is on the line this time around, and simply denouncing a candidate because he "sounds mean" may not be the wisest thing to do in the long run.
January 20, 2017
I did nothing to deserve this. ;_;
November 8, 2024
Now I picked this book up for two specific reasons, first off because in the early but more recent book of his I read he heavily leans to and remarks this book himself as being the start, basis and true beliefs on his ideals for his America. The second being regardless of feelings there is certainty that he will again be our president and chief for another four years so maybe this would give a bit more insight into our soon to be leader in charge. Wildly enough some of Trumps main takeaways do still stand true to his open current rhetoric, but some of it is/was surprisingly and oddly insightful and in the middle ground. I mean if he truly followed many of these stances he declares in this book, I wouldn’t be nearly as concerned with the future state of our democracy. But at the end of the day who truly knows how or what the shape of our country will be in the next four years, but nonetheless I have to hope he does truly care and consider himself enough of a patriot to not actually tear too much of our systems or country down. P.S. I was thrown off but low key excited at the odd choice of him considering highly Oprah of all people as his VP, I mean how cool and much of an improvement would that have been to JD… just sayin.
January 20, 2021
Though it was not intentional - indeed, this book was chosen by my wife (a lefty) for our next read - it seems fitting that I review this in commemoration of the Mueller report's anticipated completion. Trump has been on the receiving end of an ongoing, increasingly more shameless smear campaign since his country elected him. Though there have been some shaky moments where it seemed the lies, hysterical exaggerations and sinister leftist plots might actually succeed, Orange Man, the literal reincarnation of Hitler, has withstood his enemies with charming nonchalance. Yet throughout all the collapsing attempts to ruin him, the one end-game, the secret atomic bomb that would finally reverse the nightmare of 2016, Robert Mueller's proof of Russian collusion and final impeachment of Trump was always lauded as the thing that would break the camel's back.
Wrong.
I am, obviously, a proud "Trumptard" or "Trumpster" or whatever the hell one likes to call his fans. For however long it lasts, seeing the worldwide left mobs froth at the mouth is too much fun to not appreciate Trump for. However, I hadn't always said I exactly knew of or supported Trump for his policies. I just liked what he represented; I liked that he upset the establishment so much by rising against all odds. Even when I didn't care for politics at all, I liked the guy solely for the reason that everyone I knew - first, my younger brother - was so adamant that I hate him. Since most people are assholes (I do not exclude myself here) I generally think it's safe to assume those that are universally loved are probably dicks and those that are hated are probably decent human beings who just have the integrity to maintain their principles in defiance of the cultural mob of ever-shifting values.
So yeah, of course I'm gonna be biased here. And unsurprisingly I thought this book was great. In fact it has led me to respect Donald Trump even more - regardless of his arrogance, his pigheadedness, his general douche-bagery. I think he's great. And this book, an honest, consistent and prophetic exposition on his political ideals, makes for a great read for anyone who wants to better understand where he comes from (with or without the intention of fomenting their hatred for him), free of the agenda-driven nonsense spouted by the mainstream media.
Man I hope he wins in 2020. I dare not be too optimistic, but so far this year, from fake hate crimes, CNN making fools of themselves and now the probable further decline of Democrats into Alex Jones-level conspiracies such as that Mueller was bought out by Putin or something, the chances just seem to stack up more and more in favor of a second term.
After 2020 Election
Ah, shit. Never mind.
Wrong.
I am, obviously, a proud "Trumptard" or "Trumpster" or whatever the hell one likes to call his fans. For however long it lasts, seeing the worldwide left mobs froth at the mouth is too much fun to not appreciate Trump for. However, I hadn't always said I exactly knew of or supported Trump for his policies. I just liked what he represented; I liked that he upset the establishment so much by rising against all odds. Even when I didn't care for politics at all, I liked the guy solely for the reason that everyone I knew - first, my younger brother - was so adamant that I hate him. Since most people are assholes (I do not exclude myself here) I generally think it's safe to assume those that are universally loved are probably dicks and those that are hated are probably decent human beings who just have the integrity to maintain their principles in defiance of the cultural mob of ever-shifting values.
So yeah, of course I'm gonna be biased here. And unsurprisingly I thought this book was great. In fact it has led me to respect Donald Trump even more - regardless of his arrogance, his pigheadedness, his general douche-bagery. I think he's great. And this book, an honest, consistent and prophetic exposition on his political ideals, makes for a great read for anyone who wants to better understand where he comes from (with or without the intention of fomenting their hatred for him), free of the agenda-driven nonsense spouted by the mainstream media.
Man I hope he wins in 2020. I dare not be too optimistic, but so far this year, from fake hate crimes, CNN making fools of themselves and now the probable further decline of Democrats into Alex Jones-level conspiracies such as that Mueller was bought out by Putin or something, the chances just seem to stack up more and more in favor of a second term.
After 2020 Election
Ah, shit. Never mind.
Read
September 27, 2023To be blunt, I never would have voted for Trump in 2000! He has changed on some issues since then (this book shows the very beginning of his movement toward a pro-life position, with his rejection of partial-birth abortion) and so have I (immigration and the death penalty!). His foreign policy, in which he has always shone, was much the same then as now. He has, on many social issues, stood pretty much still, while the left has rushed to new and horrible extremes.
When it comes to people (as opposed to policies), the shifting alliances are a sight to behold. Rudy Giuliani, someone else I didn't like in 2000, is one of the few mentioned here who has aged well. Trump has been saying nice things about Pat Buchanan recently, especially compared to what you'll find in these pages; make of it what you will.
The chapter toward the end, "Volunteering: The American Way," was total dessert. Trump says things about capitalism in that chapter that I too have struggled desperately to say. And he says them as only Trump could. I found it very moving. I would say more but I want you to read at least that chapter!
P. S. This is also a (slightly) pre-9.11 policy platform. And 9.11 was a shake-up for us all, Trump included. Keep that in mind.
When it comes to people (as opposed to policies), the shifting alliances are a sight to behold. Rudy Giuliani, someone else I didn't like in 2000, is one of the few mentioned here who has aged well. Trump has been saying nice things about Pat Buchanan recently, especially compared to what you'll find in these pages; make of it what you will.
The chapter toward the end, "Volunteering: The American Way," was total dessert. Trump says things about capitalism in that chapter that I too have struggled desperately to say. And he says them as only Trump could. I found it very moving. I would say more but I want you to read at least that chapter!
P. S. This is also a (slightly) pre-9.11 policy platform. And 9.11 was a shake-up for us all, Trump included. Keep that in mind.
March 13, 2017
"We don't have our dream handed to us. We build it. We have our vision, then we go out and make it real. Yet the tax system clearly punishes the nation's dreamers, big and small. That's why the Trump debt-reduction tax plan would benefit the American Dream.
Most people are not going to take time away from their families and work themselves to exhaustion trying to make more money if the government takes such a large cut of their profits. High taxes are a levy on human achievement and a subsidy for mediocrity. (Donald J. Trump, The America We Deserve, Page 178)
Trump, now President Trump, defends the ordinary man and woman in this book. Although the term "Draining the Swamp" was not said in this book, it speaks to the waste and unethical behaviour of Washington career politicians. President Trump laid the groundwork in this book of why he would be a good candidate for the presidency. Little did he know that he would be given the opportunity to put into practice the many ideas he shares in this book.
Most people are not going to take time away from their families and work themselves to exhaustion trying to make more money if the government takes such a large cut of their profits. High taxes are a levy on human achievement and a subsidy for mediocrity. (Donald J. Trump, The America We Deserve, Page 178)
Trump, now President Trump, defends the ordinary man and woman in this book. Although the term "Draining the Swamp" was not said in this book, it speaks to the waste and unethical behaviour of Washington career politicians. President Trump laid the groundwork in this book of why he would be a good candidate for the presidency. Little did he know that he would be given the opportunity to put into practice the many ideas he shares in this book.
February 13, 2008
Great book full of lots of information. Trump really does his homework, and I think I would vote for him! It explains in detail all the struggles and problems America faces, and how we can make it better.
June 5, 2014
I was not one of his fans until I read this book. I needed to read other books by him. Too bad everyone did not have the chance to read this before Obama was elected. It may have helped the republicans/conservatives. We need some of his ideas today.
October 27, 2024
Wondering his stance on any major topic? Find the appropriate chapter and learn. Clear, concise and informative.
July 20, 2019
I got this book because I'm reading all the 2020 political candidate's books and it looks like this is the closest Donald Trump has to what might be called a book before the 2020 run. Also a lot of people here seem to think his so-called policies are laid out in this book, either that or they kid themselves because they haven't really read a page of this book. I have to say the two stars is a generous rating, but I'm giving it for the co-writer who put Trump's ramblings into complete sentences. However, after scanning reviews first, I'm baffeled by the five stars some people give this book, honestly you have to be a Trumpy fan to give it 5 stars. However, I confess at times the book made me laugh. Trump said: "I would bring a different approach to the presidency. . . I would enter the office with the understanding I would be back in New York doing the job I love." What? Go, just go. And this: "If I decide to run for president I'd be prepared to divest myself of my . . . holdings or put them in a blind trust." Again, what happened? Here's another: "You can learn a lot more about a politician from knowing who put the money in his pocket than when he or she might happen to chirp from a podium." Also if DT had a plan to "pay off the national debt entirely," what happened? He exploded it with his giveaway to his rich frinds. Here's another Trump self-delusion: "I've lived my life like an open book." If so, why hide your tax returns? It also seems his co-writer gave up in some places and typos increased near the end of the book. It's hard to get over the Trump nonsense in this book that passes for cohesive thoughts. For example: "Supporting small business is not always easy, however for this reason: The burons are like weeds--you spray them, you burn them out, you pour concrete over the top of them and they'll be back."Buron is not a real word. It's annoying enough when ignornance shows in Trump's speeches today but Trump has an official publisher, he got a fat advance and has the resources for a better copywriter, but he just didn't care enough. A dumbass born with a silver spoon. Here's another dumbass example: "the two basic principles of governing should work anywhere they are applied. First: Get government out of skating rinks." At every opportunity Trump reminds us what he did for the skating rink in New York. He drops celebrity names until your eyes roll out of your head, and rambles from one topic to another, though not half as much as he does now. In the end, about Hillary, Trump said "Hillary Clinton is definitely smart and resilient. She was nice to my sons, Donny and Eric, when she visited New York." He goes on to say he could have saved Bill Clinton money with the house he bought in New York. A few of the things I found interesting were Trump was once for a single-payer medical system. What happened? And at one point he waxed on about how big money doesn't influence politices yet it's woven in with how the tobacco lobbying industry was successful in influencing politices with all the money they poured in. Trump hasn't a clue when he completely reverses gears or spouts nonsense and apparently neither do his fans.
Read
July 15, 2018This book was published in 2000. This is about Donald Trump announcing his intention to be president and listing all his thoughts on major problems and fixes in America. Everyone in America I believe should read this book with an inquisitive mind. There is valuable knowledge to be gleaned.
It's difficult to isolate the sensationalized micro-clips of Donald Trump vs the immense planning and care he took to mull over the problems with potential fixes for America, but that is how anyone would and should feel if they're picking up this book as I am, post election.
From an information standpoint, I learned quite a bit. Particularly about the intricacies of how major government programs, specifically healthcare, are foolishly funded and planned. He is right that we are headed for a collision course. Is it a surprise? No. While there is a lot of good in our government, which he points out the positives and negatives of both the left and the right wing parties, there are massive gaps that no one wanted to address. The four year presidency has not served us so well because politicians have been funded by lobbyists and make big speeches to appease them, to pass legislation that affects short term without worrying long term.
Simply put, our bank vaults are empty with fluttering scraps of IOU's echoing against the hollow walls.
We're wallowing in trillions of dollars in debt, and taxes are one of the most unnecessarily complicated processes each American faces, especially if you're an entrepreneur.
Another interesting fact I've looked into that he mentions is that the tax code penalizes marriage. It is almost always better, from a tax perspective, not to get married. Filing single saves money.
In this book, Donald Trump cites multiple sources: financial books, interviews from Republican and Democrat politicians (such as John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and others), health care/economic forecast statistics, and more. He talks about African Americans, immigrants, the poor (especially when it comes to child education), and women achievement.
As for the recent sensational revival of the term nazi- look up Andrew Ten.
Non-Book Related Opinion That Affects This Review:
As much as I want to hear and understand the good and bad of our politicians and business elite, the majority of people I find (and I'm going to say THE MEDIA) are extremely sensitive about his rude remarks that masks an overall portrait of a well-researched, intelligent person.
Is it necessary to say that his life reflects our lives, that we are all human, a part of this great tangled mesh of life, with wild desires, stubborn ideas, and weaknesses? I know he didn't become president to get rich, or to have people love him. I couldn't imagine how terrifying it would be to have millions of people on the planet wanting you dead, wishing the most gruesome, plotting the worst. To every president I acknowledge with thanks. It is not easy to make tough decisions that affect us all, and it is not easy to do what so many of us cannot/would not.
It's difficult to isolate the sensationalized micro-clips of Donald Trump vs the immense planning and care he took to mull over the problems with potential fixes for America, but that is how anyone would and should feel if they're picking up this book as I am, post election.
From an information standpoint, I learned quite a bit. Particularly about the intricacies of how major government programs, specifically healthcare, are foolishly funded and planned. He is right that we are headed for a collision course. Is it a surprise? No. While there is a lot of good in our government, which he points out the positives and negatives of both the left and the right wing parties, there are massive gaps that no one wanted to address. The four year presidency has not served us so well because politicians have been funded by lobbyists and make big speeches to appease them, to pass legislation that affects short term without worrying long term.
Simply put, our bank vaults are empty with fluttering scraps of IOU's echoing against the hollow walls.
We're wallowing in trillions of dollars in debt, and taxes are one of the most unnecessarily complicated processes each American faces, especially if you're an entrepreneur.
Another interesting fact I've looked into that he mentions is that the tax code penalizes marriage. It is almost always better, from a tax perspective, not to get married. Filing single saves money.
In this book, Donald Trump cites multiple sources: financial books, interviews from Republican and Democrat politicians (such as John McCain, Hillary Clinton, and others), health care/economic forecast statistics, and more. He talks about African Americans, immigrants, the poor (especially when it comes to child education), and women achievement.
As for the recent sensational revival of the term nazi- look up Andrew Ten.
Non-Book Related Opinion That Affects This Review:
As much as I want to hear and understand the good and bad of our politicians and business elite, the majority of people I find (and I'm going to say THE MEDIA) are extremely sensitive about his rude remarks that masks an overall portrait of a well-researched, intelligent person.
Is it necessary to say that his life reflects our lives, that we are all human, a part of this great tangled mesh of life, with wild desires, stubborn ideas, and weaknesses? I know he didn't become president to get rich, or to have people love him. I couldn't imagine how terrifying it would be to have millions of people on the planet wanting you dead, wishing the most gruesome, plotting the worst. To every president I acknowledge with thanks. It is not easy to make tough decisions that affect us all, and it is not easy to do what so many of us cannot/would not.
March 15, 2017
In this 2000 book, Donald Trump takes the measure of America, and lays out his thinking on many policies that work against national strength and prosperity. Policy areas addressed individually in chapters are business, education, security/public safety, terrorism, foreign policy, social security, and health care. How many leaders in American business were looking for solutions to these issues when this book was written, at the end of the Clinton administration? One of Trump's very interesting suggestions is for a one-time 14.25% tax on the net worth of the top 1% of individuals AND TRUSTS to pay off the national debt and save billions of dollars in interest annually. "Then we can use the money saved to cut taxes on the middle class by $1 trillion over ten years, repeal the inheritance tax and still have $3 trillion over the next thirty years to bolster the Social Security Trust Fund. ...My plan will personally cost me hundreds of millions of collars, but it would be worth it." (p.275)
Trump devotes a chapter at the end of the book to volunteering, the American spirit of volunteering, and the important role volunteering plays in the American economy. If you are staying up nights worried that Donald Trump is an ego-driven opportunist who will throw people under the bus, read this book for an inside track to his thinking and his passions.
Trump devotes a chapter at the end of the book to volunteering, the American spirit of volunteering, and the important role volunteering plays in the American economy. If you are staying up nights worried that Donald Trump is an ego-driven opportunist who will throw people under the bus, read this book for an inside track to his thinking and his passions.
December 17, 2018
Published in January 2000, this book is a profound read. No matter if you love him, like him, irritated by or hate him -- this book tells you so much about the last two years! I'm surprised that the Trump campaign hasn't hawked this book more as it prefigures so much, although the chapters on the economy are dated. Divisive speech? Addressed. North Korea? Shit, Trump's handbook has been sitting here for the last 18 years! The concept of "America First"? Articulated with intelligence and fairness. 9/11? Probably the most jaw-dropping pages of the book is the segment discussing how dangerous a nomad named Usama bin Laden is!! Additionally, with all the "Trump is a Nazi" rhetoric being played up for the last two years, one should really note how furiously Trump attacks Pat Buchanan for his Nazi-sympathetic views. Again, for political perspective, this book is an eye-opener; Trump really isn't that hard to figure out as he's been giving the same message since the 2000 election.
March 4, 2016
Make America Great Again
Candid as always DJ Trump lays out his opinions on the state of Washington politics and their effects on Americans, which have not changes much in principle over time.
The most important thing he wishes to communicate how special interest disrupts the American Dream, using simple explanations that are relatable instead of getting caught up with abstracts and impressions
Candid as always DJ Trump lays out his opinions on the state of Washington politics and their effects on Americans, which have not changes much in principle over time.
The most important thing he wishes to communicate how special interest disrupts the American Dream, using simple explanations that are relatable instead of getting caught up with abstracts and impressions
September 13, 2016
interesting read on Donald Trump's political point of view.
Some of his suggested actions may be possible. Some are unrealistic.
He spoke of Federal Insurance for all and then criticized the Medicare system for being broke.
Yes Medicare is broke so how is Federal Insurance for all going to work out? He does not say.
I do like his suggestions on how campaigns should be funded.
(read to learn more about one of the candidates running for President)
Some of his suggested actions may be possible. Some are unrealistic.
He spoke of Federal Insurance for all and then criticized the Medicare system for being broke.
Yes Medicare is broke so how is Federal Insurance for all going to work out? He does not say.
I do like his suggestions on how campaigns should be funded.
(read to learn more about one of the candidates running for President)
December 15, 2008
Stumbled on this book..had we read it when he wrote it..we would have known there was a financial meltdown coming, because he predicted it! Lots of smart, tell it like it really is dialogue..it helped me to understand the markets, financial waves and that he really is not a "bought" man.
Should be in Obama's Cabinet.
Should be in Obama's Cabinet.
March 15, 2016
I'm on board with pretty much all of his 2000 views, except for the "assault weapons" ban and the universal health care. Not sure yet where he stands today on those issues. He predicted a lot of the junk that came our way in the years after the book was written, including a more catastrophic terrorist attack than what we had previously seen, which came in the form of the 9/11 attacks.
March 10, 2009
Once again "The Donald" has a lot of great ideas. Since the book was written in 2000 many of the things he talks about have happened.
He thought of running for president so he prsence what he would do. I think Obama could do well to read this one.
He thought of running for president so he prsence what he would do. I think Obama could do well to read this one.
May 7, 2009
Umm.. I liked this book but thought it was more Trump opinions about how he would be a good president rather than actually....
January 6, 2011
The who-what-where-when-why of HOW to make the changes necessary for turning this country (th U.S.) into what it should be...and he doesn't suggest more government. Our politicians should read this.
January 20, 2012
Excellent book that shows Donald Trump that few people get to learn about. For example he speaks about Osama bin Laden and the threat he poses to this country YEARS before the tragedy on 9-11-01.
July 31, 2017
He is staying true to the visons he laid out. Some of his positions have evolved (no single payer healthcare).
March 30, 2019
He does exactly what he sets out to do.
January 31, 2021
Empty. Vacuous. Ghost written, but smug and disingenuous. Bitter at times, but not surprising in the least. “The Trumps believe in getting even.” (96)
January 11, 2022
2015 & 2016 is when I read this and a few others. I also did a lot of research and decided this man could change things. Now that our elections have been fully stolen from the hands of We The People are we awake yet? Schools stopped teaching about our Founding and the truth is hard to find in any history class. Our kids are taught nothing but anti-American propaganda and how to be weak. No right no wrong no normal, your truth, my truth but no actual truth. Science has been corrupted with money as has everything else. Americans were thrilled to be energy independent and believed we would finally bring back our factories and stop being reliant on our enemies for our needs. Then November 2021 happened and those that have all the money determined another term for President Trump would ruin their corrupt butts. We are living with the results. I hope people are researching and learning the truth and not expecting to get that from the corrupt media. He called that one right, didn’t he? The book is good, his ideas are good.
October 25, 2024
I don’t recall what prompted me to read this book back in 2015 or 2016. I had never thought much about Donald Trump before, other than when he would show up on TV or in a tabloid. As I read the book, I kept relating to and agreeing with a great deal of what he had written. I thought to myself, “If this all is, indeed, his way of thinking and what he sees for America, he is just what this country needs.” Many people, including my husband, scoffed at me then when I voiced that I thought Donald J. Trump should be our next president. A year or two later, many of those same people, including my husband, were singing his praises. Where some people find his directness off putting, I find it refreshing. He doesn’t play games with words. I never have to guess the true meaning of what he says. His intentions are forthright and clear. Eventually, I bought a hard copy of the book to keep in my library.
November 16, 2019
I’m was amazed how this book was written in 2000 yet Trump predicted what was to come in the future with the economy crash (in 2007 the housing / economy crash) and the book even mentions how Manhattan could become Hiroshima one day (then came 911).
His views on educating our kids being top priority and offering school competition so they become top rate is right on the mark. He mentions getting the safe streets we deserve and now seeing him as President, I can see he’s a man of his word.
His views on foreign policy and providing our hard earned taxpayers dollars to countries we shouldn’t be sticking our noses into are right on the mark.
Once a person reads his views from 2000 and sees how he is finally trying to carry them out in 2019, they will truly be amazed and want to switch parties like many of us did. Read this book, then you’ll for sure want to #walkaway
His views on educating our kids being top priority and offering school competition so they become top rate is right on the mark. He mentions getting the safe streets we deserve and now seeing him as President, I can see he’s a man of his word.
His views on foreign policy and providing our hard earned taxpayers dollars to countries we shouldn’t be sticking our noses into are right on the mark.
Once a person reads his views from 2000 and sees how he is finally trying to carry them out in 2019, they will truly be amazed and want to switch parties like many of us did. Read this book, then you’ll for sure want to #walkaway
July 27, 2020
A great read
I never gave serious thought to Donald Trump as a presidential candidate back in the Clinton era, and was surprised to learn in this now 20 year old book that he was giving very serious thought to the problems America faces. In this book I learned that he sincerely loves America, sees its major problems clearly, and in the true spirit of a guy who loves to fix things wants to change things for the better.
Trump has the courage to tell it like it is, and because he doesn’t need the money that the job pays, or the pension, we should trust him to do what’s right.
I never gave serious thought to Donald Trump as a presidential candidate back in the Clinton era, and was surprised to learn in this now 20 year old book that he was giving very serious thought to the problems America faces. In this book I learned that he sincerely loves America, sees its major problems clearly, and in the true spirit of a guy who loves to fix things wants to change things for the better.
Trump has the courage to tell it like it is, and because he doesn’t need the money that the job pays, or the pension, we should trust him to do what’s right.
September 21, 2022
This is a good book. Of course it is good because it is Trump. I read another book of his and he mentioned that this book didn’t sell as well as he would like. So I went out to buy it to read what he said in it. There were some good points and not so good points. I am glad his politics have changed in the last 20 years. He wanted Oprah Winfrey to be president😳 and medical to be a one single payer system which would create a monopoly and give us poor quality medical care. i am sooo glad he didn’t try those stupid ideas when he became President.😉 I honestly believe Trump has been the best president in American history!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews