Seven Books about Trump
Reasserting the Power of the Book in Democracy
I often say to my students, when we talk about which is the most powerful, predominating medium in our political world, that you shouldn't count older media out. Trump made Twitter his medium, because he had a talent for the short, vehement missive, and it allowed him to communicate directly to his followers, without the intervention of the press (Hitler loved radio and its affordance of direct broadcasts from him for the same reason).
Although Obama had a Twitter presence, his medium was television. He became the last television President, ending a reign that began with JFK. But television hasn't disappeared, and the pandemic has given it a new importance, as leaders like Andrew Cuomo, NY Governor, used it to inform and reassure the people of New York, just as FDR had done via radio with his "fireside chats" to all Americans during the Great Depression of the 1930s. And as we approach the most important election in American history, television may be re-asserting its role as the pre-eminent political medium.
But there may be an even older contender back in the fray: the book. In the past few months, at least seven books have been published (more precisely, six, plus one about to be published) about Donald Trump and his massively destructive Presidency. These come from reporters (Michael Schmidt and Bob Woodward), relatives (Trump's niece Mary), people who worked for him in one way or another (John Bolton and Michael Cohen), a former counterintelligence FBI agent (Peter Strzok), and a close friend of Trump's wife (Stephanie Wolkoff). These books have increasingly replaced Twitter as a source of television reporting and commentary, not to mention providing the bases of extensive and extensively intelligent interviews of their authors by TV hosts like Rachel Maddow.
Will they influence the election? I'll have more to say about this in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, here are those seven books:
About the Creator
Paul Levinson
Novels The Silk Code, The Plot To Save Socrates, It's Real Life: An Alternate History of The Beatles; LPs Twice Upon A Rhyme & Welcome Up; nonfiction The Soft Edge & Digital McLuhan, translated into 15 languages. Prof, Fordham Univ.
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Report on Day 2 of 2020 Republican National Convention
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By Paul Levinson5 years ago in The Swamp
As Trump Pushes Housing Affordability, His Mortgage Chief Undermines It
Affordable housing has become one of the hottest issues in American politics. From skyrocketing rents in urban centers to home prices that outpace wage growth, millions of Americans are feeling the squeeze. President Donald Trump recently highlighted housing affordability as a priority, promising policies aimed at making homeownership easier and more attainable. Yet, behind the scenes, his mortgage chief appears to be undercutting those very goals, raising questions about coherence in the administration’s approach. This contradiction is not just a policy quirk—it has real-world consequences for families trying to buy homes, investors watching the housing market, and communities struggling with affordability. Trump’s Push for Housing Affordability During recent speeches and public statements, Trump has stressed that making housing more affordable for Americans is a top priority. His proposals include: Expanding federal support for first-time homebuyers. Encouraging private sector investment in affordable housing projects. Streamlining regulations that, according to his administration, make housing unnecessarily expensive. These initiatives tap into widespread frustration over the housing crisis, which has only worsened in the past decade. In many cities, the gap between wages and home prices has widened so drastically that even middle-income families struggle to buy a modest home. Trump’s rhetoric on affordability appeals directly to voters, promising relief from soaring costs and signaling that his administration is responsive to everyday economic pressures. The Mortgage Chief’s Contradictory Actions Despite Trump’s stated goals, his mortgage chief, a key figure in the federal housing apparatus, has made decisions that seem to work against affordability. These include: Supporting higher fees or stricter lending requirements for federally backed mortgages. Maintaining interest rate policies that favor larger, wealthier borrowers over first-time or lower-income buyers. Delaying or limiting programs designed to expand access to affordable housing loans. These moves create tension between policy statements and actual administrative practices. While the president promotes accessibility, the mortgage chief’s actions effectively raise barriers for the very people Trump claims to help. Analysts say this kind of internal contradiction is not uncommon in government, but it can have serious consequences when it affects something as personal and financially critical as buying a home. Why This Matters for Homebuyers The disconnect between the president and his mortgage chief is more than political theater. For families hoping to buy their first home, it could mean: Higher upfront costs: Tighter lending requirements make down payments and fees harder to manage. Limited options: Stricter mortgage policies may exclude lower-income buyers from accessing certain loans. Uncertainty: Conflicting signals from the administration can create confusion about eligibility, program availability, and financial planning. For those already navigating the housing market, these contradictions add stress and financial strain. Families may delay buying, settle for smaller homes, or be forced to rent longer than intended—all outcomes that directly impact their economic stability. The Broader Market Impact The mortgage chief’s stance doesn’t just affect individual buyers. The housing market as a whole may experience: Slower growth in homeownership rates: If lending becomes more restrictive, fewer people will qualify to buy homes. Pressure on rental markets: More people renting due to barriers to homeownership can drive up rents, worsening affordability issues. Investor uncertainty: Conflicting policies make it harder for developers and investors to plan affordable housing projects. Economists warn that these kinds of contradictions can stall efforts to stabilize housing markets, leaving affordability as a persistent national challenge. Political Implications Politically, this disconnect could have significant consequences. Housing affordability is a key voter issue, especially among younger and first-time buyers. If Trump is seen as promoting policies that his administration simultaneously undermines, it may weaken his credibility on economic issues. Conversely, this tension offers an opportunity for critics of the administration to highlight policy inconsistencies, potentially framing the government as out of touch with the needs of ordinary Americans. Some political observers note that similar contradictions have appeared in past administrations, where high-level appointees implement rules that contradict public statements from leaders. The housing sector, however, is particularly sensitive because its effects are immediate and personal. Voices From the Field Housing advocates and community leaders have been vocal about the mixed messages coming from the administration. Many emphasize the importance of consistent, transparent policies to help first-time and low-income buyers. Community groups argue that without clear support for affordable lending, families will continue to face barriers to homeownership. Economists warn that inconsistent policies may discourage private investment in affordable housing projects. Homebuyers report confusion about which programs are truly accessible, adding stress to already complex financial decisions. These perspectives underscore the importance of alignment between leadership rhetoric and administrative action. Moving Forward: What Needs to Change For Trump’s housing affordability push to have a real impact, several adjustments may be necessary: Policy alignment: Ensure that statements from the White House match the actions of housing officials. Lending reforms: Focus on lowering barriers for first-time buyers without increasing risk to the financial system. Community engagement: Work with local housing groups to understand and address real affordability challenges. Transparency: Clearly communicate available programs, eligibility requirements, and changes to regulations. Without these measures, well-intentioned policies may fail to reach the people who need them most. Conclusion: The Gap Between Words and Action Housing affordability is a critical issue for millions of Americans, touching everything from family stability to economic opportunity. President Trump’s emphasis on making homes more accessible is politically popular and socially important. Yet, when key figures in his administration act in ways that undermine these goals, the promise of affordability risks becoming empty rhetoric. For policymakers, advocates, and homebuyers alike, the lesson is clear: intentions must align with execution. Until the administration resolves these contradictions, affordable housing will remain a contentious and unresolved issue, with real consequences for the families who need help the most. The challenge now is for the White House and its housing leadership to bridge the gap between promise and practice, ensuring that every American who dreams of owning a home has a clear, achievable path to make it a reality.
By Muhammad Hassana day ago in The Swamp
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