The Divider

The Divider by Peter Baker and Susan Glasser offers an unparalleled journey into the tumultuous four years of Donald Trump's presidency, meticulously chronicling everything from his chaotic beginning to the dramatic and violent conclusion of his term. The book delves deeply into the narrative, offering an eye-opening portrayal of an era marked by unprecedented political upheaval and scandal.

Hailed as the most comprehensive and detailed account of the Trump presidency yet published by The Washington Post, The Divider has earned accolades and recognition, being named a Best Book of the Year by The New Yorker and Financial Times. This astonishing and meticulous chronicle stands out for its in-depth research and vivid storytelling, capturing both absurd and serious moments that defined a controversial administration.

Written by esteemed journalists Peter Baker of The New York Times and Susan Glasser of The New Yorker, The Divider is an ambitious and enduring history that offers dozens of exclusive scoops and stories from behind the scenes at the White House. Readers are taken on a riveting journey, from the threat of nuclear war with North Korea to the inner machinations of Trump’s cabinet members, who had secret agreements on resignation, and surprising anecdotes, such as whether Trump asked Japan's prime minister to nominate him for the Nobel Prize.

NPR.com describes the book as "a sumptuous feast of astonishing tales... The more one reads, the more one wishes to read," emphasising the compelling and unputdownable nature of the narrative. The Guardian complements this view, calling it "a beautifully written, utterly dispiriting history of the man who attacked democracy," underlining the book's critical perspective on Trump's divisive actions and policies.

Drawing from unprecedented access to key players, including President Trump himself, cabinet officers, military generals, close advisers, Trump family members, congressional leaders, and foreign officials, some of whom share their stories for the first time, Baker and Glasser paint a detailed and multifaceted picture of the Trump presidency. The book reveals the moral quandaries faced by those around Trump, exploring how they rationalised supporting him despite recognising his unfitness for the office, and where they ultimately drew their lines.

The bestselling authors of The Man Who Ran Washington present a compelling argument that Trump was not merely stumbling from one controversy to the next; rather, he was keenly observing and learning from the foreign autocrats he admired. Such insights make The Divider an essential read for understanding the nuanced and often troubling dynamics of the Trump administration.

Engaging, probing, and revealing, The Divider stands as a critical work for anyone interested in contemporary American politics and the inner workings of the Trump White House.