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Mar-a-Lago: Inside the Gates of Power at Donald Trump's Presidential Palace
Where Trump Learned to Rule
To know Donald J. Trump it is best to start in his natural Palm Beach, Florida. It is here he learned the techniques that took him all the way to the White House. Painstakingly, over decades, he has created a world in this exclusive tropical enclave and favorite haunt of billionaires where he is not just president but a king. The vehicle for his triumph is Mar-A-Lago, one of the greatest mansions ever built in the United States. The inside story of how he became King of Palm Beach―and how Palm Beach continues to be his spiritual home even as president―is rollicking, troubling, and told with unrivaled access and understanding by Laurence Leamer.
In Mar-A-Lago , the reader will
* How Donald Trump bought a property now valued by some at as much as $500,000,000 for less than three thousand dollars of his own money.
* Why Trump was blackballed by the WASP grandees of the island and how he got his revenge.
* How Trump joined forces with the National Enquirer , which was headquartered nearby, and engineered his own divorce.
* How by turning Mar-A-Lago into a private club, Trump was the unlikely man to integrate Palm Beach’s restricted country club scene, and what his real motives were.
* What transpires behind the gates of today’s Mar-A-Lago during “the season,” when President Trump and assorted D.C. power players fly down each weekend.
In addition to copious interviews and reporting from inside Mar-A-Lago, Laurence Leamer brings an acute and unparalleled understanding of the society of Palm Beach, where he has lived for twenty-five years. He has written an essential book for understanding Donald Trump’s inner character.
To know Donald J. Trump it is best to start in his natural Palm Beach, Florida. It is here he learned the techniques that took him all the way to the White House. Painstakingly, over decades, he has created a world in this exclusive tropical enclave and favorite haunt of billionaires where he is not just president but a king. The vehicle for his triumph is Mar-A-Lago, one of the greatest mansions ever built in the United States. The inside story of how he became King of Palm Beach―and how Palm Beach continues to be his spiritual home even as president―is rollicking, troubling, and told with unrivaled access and understanding by Laurence Leamer.
In Mar-A-Lago , the reader will
* How Donald Trump bought a property now valued by some at as much as $500,000,000 for less than three thousand dollars of his own money.
* Why Trump was blackballed by the WASP grandees of the island and how he got his revenge.
* How Trump joined forces with the National Enquirer , which was headquartered nearby, and engineered his own divorce.
* How by turning Mar-A-Lago into a private club, Trump was the unlikely man to integrate Palm Beach’s restricted country club scene, and what his real motives were.
* What transpires behind the gates of today’s Mar-A-Lago during “the season,” when President Trump and assorted D.C. power players fly down each weekend.
In addition to copious interviews and reporting from inside Mar-A-Lago, Laurence Leamer brings an acute and unparalleled understanding of the society of Palm Beach, where he has lived for twenty-five years. He has written an essential book for understanding Donald Trump’s inner character.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 29, 2019
225 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Laurence Leamer
33 books266 followersLaurence Leamer is an award-winning journalist and historian who has written eighteen books including five New York Times bestsellers. He has worked in a factory in France, a coal mine in West Virginia and as a Peace Corps volunteer in a remote village in Nepal two days from a road. He has written two novels and an off Broadway play but is primarily known for his nonfiction. His most recent book, Capote's Women, is being made into an eight-part series starring Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Calista Flockhart, and Demi Moore.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 29, 2022
Mr. Leamer (hereafter LL) interviewed those who knew
Trump, in various capacities. Some on the record, some
'off the record.' I gave this book 3.5 stars.
Full disclosure. This is one of many books I've read on
Don Trump, some on: his business role, Presidential
role, some on both. Common threads in these bios:
Trump, does not study or weigh choices, does not vet
potential Cabinet members, other staff or judges, he
seldom forgets a perceived slight. Can people respect
Don when he demonizes those races or ethnic, or faith
groups different from his own? He shuns US allies &
he praises autocratic enemies of the US. He disrespects
women by his words and actions. Lastly he ignores
mass shootings in the US and elsewhere, in favor of
the NRA agenda.
LL depicted DJT as a man who over-represented his net
worth when 1st included in Forbes Magazine, created
lawsuits against city leaders and zoning commissions
& contractors/ sub-contractors he underpaid (less than
the mutually agreed amt.) He converted his private res-
dence Mar-a-Lago (formerly owned by the Post cereal
heiress) into an exclusive, private club. He hosted charity
events there & then billed the charity a huge rental fee.
He arbitrarily chose the club members and when he asked
them to leave. He charged members 20% gratuity for wait
staff and pocketed this money for himself. He hired mostly
Eastern European staff & charged them for meals!
The ad for his Mar-a-Lago staff read: "35hrs/ wk, Mon-Sun.
7AM-11PM. Serve food + bev. $11.88/hr min., no tips."
There were many examples of how Trump wore someone
down until he got the deal he wanted. Too many in his
world tolerated his antics. Trump could care less about
ethics. He admitted he enjoyed chaos & conflict in Feb.
2018. He voiced "I like conflict. I like watching it. I like
seeing it... (65% mark). The author explored his co-
dependent relationship w/ the tabloid National Enquirer,
which used 'cash and kill' to bury stories unfavorable to
Trump. Especially his affairs w/ women not his wife.
Trump, in various capacities. Some on the record, some
'off the record.' I gave this book 3.5 stars.
Full disclosure. This is one of many books I've read on
Don Trump, some on: his business role, Presidential
role, some on both. Common threads in these bios:
Trump, does not study or weigh choices, does not vet
potential Cabinet members, other staff or judges, he
seldom forgets a perceived slight. Can people respect
Don when he demonizes those races or ethnic, or faith
groups different from his own? He shuns US allies &
he praises autocratic enemies of the US. He disrespects
women by his words and actions. Lastly he ignores
mass shootings in the US and elsewhere, in favor of
the NRA agenda.
LL depicted DJT as a man who over-represented his net
worth when 1st included in Forbes Magazine, created
lawsuits against city leaders and zoning commissions
& contractors/ sub-contractors he underpaid (less than
the mutually agreed amt.) He converted his private res-
dence Mar-a-Lago (formerly owned by the Post cereal
heiress) into an exclusive, private club. He hosted charity
events there & then billed the charity a huge rental fee.
He arbitrarily chose the club members and when he asked
them to leave. He charged members 20% gratuity for wait
staff and pocketed this money for himself. He hired mostly
Eastern European staff & charged them for meals!
The ad for his Mar-a-Lago staff read: "35hrs/ wk, Mon-Sun.
7AM-11PM. Serve food + bev. $11.88/hr min., no tips."
There were many examples of how Trump wore someone
down until he got the deal he wanted. Too many in his
world tolerated his antics. Trump could care less about
ethics. He admitted he enjoyed chaos & conflict in Feb.
2018. He voiced "I like conflict. I like watching it. I like
seeing it... (65% mark). The author explored his co-
dependent relationship w/ the tabloid National Enquirer,
which used 'cash and kill' to bury stories unfavorable to
Trump. Especially his affairs w/ women not his wife.
January 31, 2019
I am reading too many Trump books. I live in Florida and I have driven past Mar a Lago. This seems well researched and truthful. I am depressed that such a great place was sold by our government and has become such a money maker for its owner. I don't eat Post-Toasties and I wish Mrs. Post had found a way to found a different way to donate her home. This isn't a book review is it?
April 14, 2019
If you loathe and despise Donald Trump and everything he stands for, you will love this book - I loved every word!!
Having just read Michelle Obama’s book it was interesting to compare the two first families. They are as different as black and white! Obama is a young, intelligent, compassionate family man with an equally outstanding wife. Trump is an old, fat, devious, pathological liar who has no respect for women or
family, with a pathetic wife who I’m sure stays with him only to protect her parents and son.
I still can’t believe how many of his associates (he has no friends) have criminal records, I wonder what the exact number is? From Roy Cohn to Jared Kushner’s father.
Mr Leamer always writes well and this expose is no exception. I enjoyed the history of Mar a Lago.
Having just read Michelle Obama’s book it was interesting to compare the two first families. They are as different as black and white! Obama is a young, intelligent, compassionate family man with an equally outstanding wife. Trump is an old, fat, devious, pathological liar who has no respect for women or
family, with a pathetic wife who I’m sure stays with him only to protect her parents and son.
I still can’t believe how many of his associates (he has no friends) have criminal records, I wonder what the exact number is? From Roy Cohn to Jared Kushner’s father.
Mr Leamer always writes well and this expose is no exception. I enjoyed the history of Mar a Lago.
December 21, 2020
Erm. I say it was OK, since it has some new info about the squabbles with the other residents of Palm Beach over the various club issues. And there are some players in the current mess who have been on board a lot longer than we may think - the head of Newsmax TV, for instance, which has mostly been overshadowed by Fox and has only been mentioned (along with One America) more often since Fox has fallen out of favor this last year.
The graft, the grift, all are long-term, often right out in plain sight. There is a little about how very very poorly the workers at M-a-L and the other clubs are treated. M-a-L supposedly adds a 20% service charge and doesn't allow any of that to get to the staff, tells diners, visitors NOT to tip the staff.
But there was a lot less book than I expected. Maybe it was that I'd just finished Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump, which was a bit better organized, more specifics.
But if you can borrow it from the library, it's worth the few hours to read.
The graft, the grift, all are long-term, often right out in plain sight. There is a little about how very very poorly the workers at M-a-L and the other clubs are treated. M-a-L supposedly adds a 20% service charge and doesn't allow any of that to get to the staff, tells diners, visitors NOT to tip the staff.
But there was a lot less book than I expected. Maybe it was that I'd just finished Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump, which was a bit better organized, more specifics.
But if you can borrow it from the library, it's worth the few hours to read.
February 13, 2019
Oh how I hate this man.
What an absolute PILE of trash he is.
What an absolute PILE of trash he is.
April 24, 2019
Poor sad old-money billionaires having to put up with new-money billionaires. Bad behavior all around, though one of them really takes the cake.
November 16, 2018
*3.5 stars*
You think it's going to be a tour of Donald's Trump's gold-plated everything. But it strangely sucks you into a history of his purchase of the Mar-A-Lago Florida estate, his early battles with the blue-blood establishment, and his triumphant return as President.
I kinda hate to like this book. And even more strangely, there are times you cheer for The Donald - because, honestly, in a zoning battle between Trump and a bunch of anti-semitic Floridians who won't let Jews join their clubs, there are really no heroes.
Leamer has writing a strange, compelling, narrative about a now-famous place and its surreal owner.
You think it's going to be a tour of Donald's Trump's gold-plated everything. But it strangely sucks you into a history of his purchase of the Mar-A-Lago Florida estate, his early battles with the blue-blood establishment, and his triumphant return as President.
I kinda hate to like this book. And even more strangely, there are times you cheer for The Donald - because, honestly, in a zoning battle between Trump and a bunch of anti-semitic Floridians who won't let Jews join their clubs, there are really no heroes.
Leamer has writing a strange, compelling, narrative about a now-famous place and its surreal owner.
February 20, 2019
Ridiculously, comprehensively incisive, like watching a baby monster growing up and not being able to affect the outcome. Trump of 30 years ago is learning the strategies and pushback in Palm Beach that he will later hone on TV and then inflict on the the United States. Leamer's a Palm Beach lifer, and his understanding comes from being a professional writer and researcher and from having goddamn been there for a lot of what happens. A lot of books feel like the one you need to really get some insight into this broken person's malfunctioning brain, but this one gets closer than a lot of them. Definitely part of the required reading, and not the gossipy thing I thought it would be.
February 12, 2019
If you can’t stand Trump there’s lots to love here
March 10, 2019
Be prepared to be depressed. In a quiet way, Mr. Leamer tells a sad story about Trump without himself being nasty. Devastating portrait of Trump. The "I am for the forgotten little guy" candidate who when he has his chance stiffs the little guy on a landscaping bill. Seriously? Small company A agrees to do a job for price X. Completes the job and does a good job. Then Trump only pays Y and forces the small company to find for the remainder of the payment. Wow, this is leadership we are suppose to believe in? Then Trump collects money from other foundations only to give it to a charity as if the donation comes from him without saying the money really came from Foundation A. This is leadership we are suppose to believe in? Next lets get a job on the waiter - waitress team at Mar-A-Lago. The want ad states you will earn no tips. Trump doesn't believe in tips. Well he does not believe in tips for the little people. Instead if a member tips, teh tips go to the Trump team. Again this is leadership we are suppose to believe in. A very sad, depressing book but one that should be read.
April 26, 2019
I liked the book in many ways, some including the fact that I dislike Donald Trump and all he stands for. However, Laurence Leamer, a well-established author, presented a picture of Trump and all of his dealings, especially in Palm Beach, Florida that gives the reader a keen insight into the kind of man this country elected to be President of the United States. A sad day in the history of this country.
February 17, 2019
Compelling. Revealing. Sobering. Mr. Trump is nothing if not consistent.
February 20, 2019
What's New
Another tell all that gives the reader an idea of just how twisted Trump really is. Too bad that the elite and educated have fallen as low as we suspected
Another tell all that gives the reader an idea of just how twisted Trump really is. Too bad that the elite and educated have fallen as low as we suspected
March 11, 2019
Could have had the sub-title: A Con Man Lives in Palm Beach. So little information here, it felt like I was reading previous news. (would have made a good book for someone who had been living under a rock for the past 5 years.) Sad that I wasted my time. Too bad I couldn't give it no stars.
May 5, 2019
One of a series of Trump bashing books which have proliferated since his election to the presidency. And in the series of many more to come for many years.
The book covers from a basically chronological approach Donald Trumps' association with Palm Beach and his acquisition and legacy with the property and his endless battles with the powers that be who run the quasi-island nation of Palm Beach. Of course Mr. Trump feels he is that rightful King of the territory and certainly of Mar-a-Lago he is. But a remaining segment of residents battle him as best they can with their own considerable resources.
It does not take long to see where author Laurence Leamer lines up as a part-time resident of the island nation. From start to finish Mr. Leamer lays out each and every transgression of Donald Trump, much of which most of us are familiar with, and some maybe not.
Yes we know Trump is a bombastic, self-centered, egotistical, raving, twittering, maniacal, and on and on. And the major point of the book is to remind us again and again of this certainty. Not to mention every other dastardly thing under the sun.
Yet the fact remains, despite all these things about him he still got elected president. So what does that say about how people felt about Hillary Clinton? And if the economy holds its momentum he probably has a fair shot to be re-elected.
I live next door to the Mar-a-Lago estate. No not that close. In decidedly downscale West Palm Beach across the bridge. I can certainly attest to Leamer's descriptions of the contrasts in living styles presented here. The super wealthy hold their many balls and fundraisers doing their part for the community and would rather you stay on your side of the intercoastal thank you.
There is maybe no better display of these contrasts then Trump International Golf Course which sits in West Palm Beach completely enclosed by very high hedges and palm trees. Across the street is the public library for the common folk and setting back aways towering above the course is the county jail.
I did find one apparent mistake in the book when Leamer was describing The Breakers Hotel location he stated it as south of Mar-a-Lago. It is in fact north of it.
In total if you are the type that loves Trump bashing this will be a great read for you. He certainly delivers the goods on that. Donald Trump is a party of one, the ultimate P.T. Barnum of both politics and business, and de facto King of Mar-a-Lago.
The book covers from a basically chronological approach Donald Trumps' association with Palm Beach and his acquisition and legacy with the property and his endless battles with the powers that be who run the quasi-island nation of Palm Beach. Of course Mr. Trump feels he is that rightful King of the territory and certainly of Mar-a-Lago he is. But a remaining segment of residents battle him as best they can with their own considerable resources.
It does not take long to see where author Laurence Leamer lines up as a part-time resident of the island nation. From start to finish Mr. Leamer lays out each and every transgression of Donald Trump, much of which most of us are familiar with, and some maybe not.
Yes we know Trump is a bombastic, self-centered, egotistical, raving, twittering, maniacal, and on and on. And the major point of the book is to remind us again and again of this certainty. Not to mention every other dastardly thing under the sun.
Yet the fact remains, despite all these things about him he still got elected president. So what does that say about how people felt about Hillary Clinton? And if the economy holds its momentum he probably has a fair shot to be re-elected.
I live next door to the Mar-a-Lago estate. No not that close. In decidedly downscale West Palm Beach across the bridge. I can certainly attest to Leamer's descriptions of the contrasts in living styles presented here. The super wealthy hold their many balls and fundraisers doing their part for the community and would rather you stay on your side of the intercoastal thank you.
There is maybe no better display of these contrasts then Trump International Golf Course which sits in West Palm Beach completely enclosed by very high hedges and palm trees. Across the street is the public library for the common folk and setting back aways towering above the course is the county jail.
I did find one apparent mistake in the book when Leamer was describing The Breakers Hotel location he stated it as south of Mar-a-Lago. It is in fact north of it.
In total if you are the type that loves Trump bashing this will be a great read for you. He certainly delivers the goods on that. Donald Trump is a party of one, the ultimate P.T. Barnum of both politics and business, and de facto King of Mar-a-Lago.
March 25, 2019
This short read takes you into Mar-a-Lago, the massive Palm Beach estate purchased by Donald Trump in the 1980s. As he worked with “old money” residents and an archaic city council to make desired changes on the property, Trump dabbled in pejorative rhetoric, legal backdoor maneuvers, maximizing tax breaks and ratcheting up public relations hysteria to get his way.
In short, it’s a suggestive preview for what was to come decades later when he ran for president.
As an insight to the property’s origins and how Trump eventually made money by turning it into a club/resort with a nearby golf course, it’s interesting stuff. As it transitions to President Trump’s weekend retreat where he conducts government business, it treads over familiar (tired) territory. The reader is left to believe that as his presidency crumbles, Trump has become some form of Charles Foster Kane, lonely and pacing the grounds of Xanadu.
In short, it’s a suggestive preview for what was to come decades later when he ran for president.
As an insight to the property’s origins and how Trump eventually made money by turning it into a club/resort with a nearby golf course, it’s interesting stuff. As it transitions to President Trump’s weekend retreat where he conducts government business, it treads over familiar (tired) territory. The reader is left to believe that as his presidency crumbles, Trump has become some form of Charles Foster Kane, lonely and pacing the grounds of Xanadu.
September 2, 2020
Much more than just a description of the building and grounds.
Learned a lot about the history of the area and how it became a playground for the rich. A lot of info re our "leader", confirming and expanding on what is already known. Very little complimentary, maybe nothing, since it seems pretty factual.
Overdrive @ 1.25 to 1.5 speed
Learned a lot about the history of the area and how it became a playground for the rich. A lot of info re our "leader", confirming and expanding on what is already known. Very little complimentary, maybe nothing, since it seems pretty factual.
Overdrive @ 1.25 to 1.5 speed
February 4, 2019
He's been this way for MANY years!
September 5, 2022
Well written ..but obviously not a Trump fan ...it would be interesting to see how he feels now that Biden has become President
March 18, 2025
It all began in Palm Beach County...
Many will point to former President Obama's joke at the 2011 White House Correspondents' Dinner as the catalyst for President Trump's rise to the White House.
Maybe. But all of the tactics President Trump has used to win the White House twice were developed over many decades of astounding highs and lows, specifically in his acquisition and development of Mar-a-Lago and the battle he waged and won against the old money of Palm Beach County.
As with all things related to Trump, the story is fascinating and for those of us who aren't part of the rarefied classes where transactional relationships for money and power are the driving ethos, disturbing.
The story is also perplexing. Why do so many people worship Trump, and why are so many people deranged by him? Just like his alleged wealth, I'm not sure he's worth it.
His vulnerabilities are massive and obvious. He should be easy to sideline.
But Palm Beach couldn't sideline him and neither can the world.
He forges ahead, uncowed, undeterred, and unashamed.
And perhaps that's the answer.
What cows, deters, and shames most of us only fuels and motivates Trump.
In short, this book doesn't chronicle the making of a President, but it sure describes it.
Many will point to former President Obama's joke at the 2011 White House Correspondents' Dinner as the catalyst for President Trump's rise to the White House.
Maybe. But all of the tactics President Trump has used to win the White House twice were developed over many decades of astounding highs and lows, specifically in his acquisition and development of Mar-a-Lago and the battle he waged and won against the old money of Palm Beach County.
As with all things related to Trump, the story is fascinating and for those of us who aren't part of the rarefied classes where transactional relationships for money and power are the driving ethos, disturbing.
The story is also perplexing. Why do so many people worship Trump, and why are so many people deranged by him? Just like his alleged wealth, I'm not sure he's worth it.
His vulnerabilities are massive and obvious. He should be easy to sideline.
But Palm Beach couldn't sideline him and neither can the world.
He forges ahead, uncowed, undeterred, and unashamed.
And perhaps that's the answer.
What cows, deters, and shames most of us only fuels and motivates Trump.
In short, this book doesn't chronicle the making of a President, but it sure describes it.
August 17, 2020
I liked it insofar as it is a well-documented account of how Mar A Lago fell into Trump's greedy (little) hands. The history of the estate is interesting and it sounds just about as gaudy as one can imagine on a Florida coastline.
I don't like it because he's so embarrassing. I finished the Relentless Pursuit book, Bradley Edwards' fifteen-year quest to make anything stick to Epstein, and Mar A Lago is mentioned plenty in that shocking tale. In this one? Only that Trump rubbed elbows with Alan Dershowitz, the sleazy Epstein lawyer who is just as pervy as Epstein (and likely Trump) is. Not a word about their pal Jeffrey.
Anyway, some interesting things in it, trivia wise, about the estate and the who's who of Palm Beach, and the anti-Semites that roam the island. Not sure it's really recommended for anyone unless you need more tales of how bawdy and gauche Trump is with his money.
I don't like it because he's so embarrassing. I finished the Relentless Pursuit book, Bradley Edwards' fifteen-year quest to make anything stick to Epstein, and Mar A Lago is mentioned plenty in that shocking tale. In this one? Only that Trump rubbed elbows with Alan Dershowitz, the sleazy Epstein lawyer who is just as pervy as Epstein (and likely Trump) is. Not a word about their pal Jeffrey.
Anyway, some interesting things in it, trivia wise, about the estate and the who's who of Palm Beach, and the anti-Semites that roam the island. Not sure it's really recommended for anyone unless you need more tales of how bawdy and gauche Trump is with his money.
Read
August 1, 2019Nonfiction about Trump’s real estate in Palm Springs, by a journalist from there who can provide a lot of context. This is not so much related to the usual topics of my book reviews, so I’m not going to review it at length, but it was interesting! The battles around anti-Semitism in Palm Springs social clubs were fascinating and I had not heard about them previously. I felt the more historical section of the book was stronger than the bits immediately before / after he became President, but the author laments in the foreword that much fewer people wanted to be interviewed after that happened; I guess that’s understandable. I wished there was a photo supplement related to the discussions about architecture.
Source of the Book: Lawrence Public Library
Also on Bogi Reads the World: http://www.bogireadstheworld.com/smal...
Source of the Book: Lawrence Public Library
Also on Bogi Reads the World: http://www.bogireadstheworld.com/smal...
August 12, 2020
Interesting to read the history of Trump at Mar-A-Largo, including his tumultuous beginnings with the old guard at Palm Beach and how those days helped mold his approach to the presidency. The book was a good adjunct to other books on him and his family that I have already read, especially his niece Mary Trump's book. Interesting to have read the various authors similar perspectives and reiterations on some of the same events and on his personality. This author, Laurence Leamer, has close ties to Palm Beach and shares many insights into the life style there - both from the old days and after Trump "moved in" and led a charge to division and change there. Leamer does not bash Trump but simply states the facts and shares many entertaining - and sometimes distressing - anecdotes.
February 20, 2019
This is a book about Donald Trump (showman, TV personality, real estate persona, bon vivant, politician, etc.) and how you feel about it will depend very much on your politics. The author does include footnotes, so it is probably well-researched. Most of the early part of the book is about the history of old-money Palm Beach and how Trump brings his new money, makes the deal of the century for the property, used people, sued people, broke rules, and changed the face of Palm Beach forever. I found it interesting and it added some dimension and history to my picture of the current president.
May 17, 2019
Sent it back to the library unfinished. Why did I torment myself with reading about Trump? He is just an arrogant imbecile. Details of his life are well written. The author tells the tragic tale of this bull in a china shop oaf. It is an easy read and reinforces every sickening thing this guy has soiled along the way becoming famous.
September 1, 2019
An interesting read
The book focuses on trumps acquisition of Mar-a-Lago and the elitist town that houses the property. Believe it or not, but the author casts Trump as a partially sympathetic character, rebelling against the snobby and racist elites that want him to just go away. But this is still trump, Nd many of his ugliest traits shine through as well.
The book focuses on trumps acquisition of Mar-a-Lago and the elitist town that houses the property. Believe it or not, but the author casts Trump as a partially sympathetic character, rebelling against the snobby and racist elites that want him to just go away. But this is still trump, Nd many of his ugliest traits shine through as well.
February 4, 2020
Well written and gives tremendous insight to who Trump, how he operates...which is not news; however baffling he and his minions have gotten away with so much being arrogant, manipulative, egomaniacal crazed humans trying to ruin lives of others in order to feel power, authority, and rank among a group/demographic of people Trump never belonged to.
March 7, 2021
Mar- A- Lago - maybe the best residential real estate deal in modern times..... I can knock his losing a ton of money in Atlantic City casinos- who has heard of losing money in casinos. But Mar-a -Lago was a home run. It did teach the Donald hold to deal with old and new money and set the stage for his run for President- it set the stage of Trump as American Royalty.
June 8, 2022
Most interesting
I've now read 3 books by Laurence Leamer and must say I am very impressed. He gives the reader the facts in a plain spoken way. Never a hatchet job, he backs up everything with citations. This book was very interesting. I thought I knew about all there was to know about Trump, but learned a lot more.
I've now read 3 books by Laurence Leamer and must say I am very impressed. He gives the reader the facts in a plain spoken way. Never a hatchet job, he backs up everything with citations. This book was very interesting. I thought I knew about all there was to know about Trump, but learned a lot more.
February 28, 2019
The history of Palm Beach, a totally unique environment and the history surrounding the palm beach residents is fascinating. The Mar - A- Lago story is one of a kind even without a Donald Trump. The Trump story with Mar - A Lago helps you understand why and how our President functions as he does.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews