The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021 by Peter Baker & Susan Glasser Summary "The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021" by Peter Baker and Susan Glasser provides an extensive exploration of Donald Trump's presidency, offering insights into his confrontational and often chaotic tenure in office. Published by Doubleday on September 20, 2022, the book spans 752 pages and is regarded as the most comprehensive account of the Trump presidency to date, earning accolades from prestigious outlets like The Washington Post, The New Yorker, and Financial Times. Baker and Glasser, both seasoned journalists with The New York Times and The New Yorker respectively, narrate the story of Trump's four years in office, characterized by constant turmoil and his battles against Washington's established norms. Drawing from an array of sources, including interviews with key figures from Trump's administration, military generals, close advisors, family members, and foreign officials, many of whom had not shared their stories before, the book presents a detailed chronicle of Trump's policies, decisions, and the internal dynamics of his White House. The narrative delves into significant events and issues such as the Muslim travel ban, negotiations with North Korea, the Mueller investigation, Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings, and the two impeachment trials. It also sheds light on the personal and policy-driven clashes within the administration, illustrating how rivalries and factionalism, epitomized by figures like Reince Priebus, Steve Bannon, and Kellyanne Conway, shaped the governance and operations of the Trump White House. "The Divider" is not just a recounting of events but also an analysis of Trump's influence and learning curve, suggesting that he was not merely stumbling from one controversy to another but was, in fact, becoming more akin to the foreign autocrats he admired. This evolution is depicted through various incidents, including near-misses with nuclear confrontations, resignation pacts among cabinet members, and Trump's interactions with international leaders. Moreover, the book critically examines the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those within Trump's orbit, pondering how they rationalized their service to a leader they often viewed as unfit for office. It presents a vivid, behind-the-scenes look at the presidency, from the absurd to the gravely serious, providing a "sumptuous feast of astonishing tales" that is both beautifully written and disheartening. In summary, "The Divider" offers a rich, encyclopedic narrative of Donald Trump's presidency, marked by exhaustive research and compelling storytelling. It stands as a significant contribution to the historical record, providing readers with a deep understanding of a tumultuous period in American politics. Here is a Preview of What You Will Get: ⁃ A Detailed Introduction ⁃ A Comprehensive Chapter by Chapter Summary ⁃ Etc Get a copy of this summary and learn about the book.
