The Making of Donald Trump: A Conversation with Maggie Haberman

📚Maggie Haberman discusses her book and reveals behind-the-scenes insights into Donald Trump's life and career.

🗞️Haberman shares her experiences as a journalist covering Trump, including their interviews and the New York Times' significance to him.

👨‍🎓Trump's upbringing and his father's influence are explored, shedding light on his ambition and drive to succeed.

💼Insights into Trump's early business projects, including the redevelopment of the Grand Hyatt and his challenges in the real estate industry.

📺Discussions about Trump as a TV personality and his unexpected foray into politics, with analysis of his campaign strategy and his ability to resonate with voters.

Why did Donald Trump give interviews to Maggie Haberman despite her critical articles?

—Trump was uniquely obsessed with the New York Times and saw it as a symbol of approval from elites. Haberman, as the reporter who often covered him, became the go-to person for his interviews.

Did Trump's father play a significant role in shaping his personality?

—Yes, Fred Trump, Donald's father, had a domineering and tough parenting style. He instilled in Donald a need to win at all costs and promoted him as the heir to his real estate empire.

Did Trump have any interest in joining the military?

—There is no evidence to suggest that Trump had a personal interest in joining the military. He attended a military academy as a young person, but the reasons for his enrollment were primarily disciplinary.

Was Trump's success in business exaggerated?

—Trump's success in business, particularly in real estate, is often exaggerated. While he did have notable projects like the Trump Tower, his overall portfolio and impact in the industry are not as extensive as commonly portrayed.

What role did Steve Bannon play in Trump's campaign reset?

—Steve Bannon, along with other advisors and Trump's family, convinced him to bring in new leadership after the campaign faced financial and organizational challenges. Bannon's persuasive skills and alignment with Trump's messaging played a critical role in the reset.

00:00The conversation starts with a discussion of Maggie Haberman's book, Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and The Breaking of America.

07:45Haberman shares insights into Trump's upbringing and the influence of his father, Fred Trump.

17:59The conversation shifts to Trump's early business ventures, including the redevelopment of the Grand Hyatt.

31:25Haberman discusses Trump's unexpected rise in politics and his ability to connect with voters.

42:10The Q&A session begins, covering topics such as Trump's interviews with Haberman, his father's impact on his personality, and his interest in the military.

52:48The conversation delves into Trump's actual success in business and the role of Steve Bannon in his campaign reset.

01:00:15The Q&A session continues, addressing questions about Trump's relationship with the media and his financial challenges.

01:09:36The conversation concludes, highlighting the impact of Trump's presidency and the importance of understanding his background.