New book reveals how Trump compared himself to Mao, Stalin, Attila the Hun

New Book Sheds Light on Trump’s Self-Comparison to Historic Leaders

New book reveals how Trump compared – In a revealing exchange during an interview with New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, President Donald Trump showcased a two-page document that framed his leadership as surpassing that of some of history’s most notorious figures. The text, which Trump had received from a “historian” at a ceremony honoring golf legend Gary Player, claimed he was more dominant than leaders like Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Stalin, Mao, and Hitler. The document asserted that while these historical figures “were fearsome in their time,” their power was confined to local influence, whereas Trump’s authority extended globally.

“Their power was local. But (Trump’s) was not,” the document stated, as Trump himself emphasized to the reporters, highlighting his belief in the unique scale of his presidency.

The story gained additional intrigue when Haberman and Swan discovered the author’s identity. Rather than a seasoned historian, the document was crafted by Player’s longtime caddy and confidant, who had first shared the analysis with the golfer before explaining it directly to Trump during a golf session in Florida. This connection between the caddy and Trump’s self-perception adds a layer of personal narrative to the claim, suggesting the text was more of a reflection of Trump’s own ambitions than an objective historical assessment.

Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses of Trump’s Second Term

Published under the title Regime Change, the book offers an unfiltered look at the first 14 months of Trump’s second presidency. CNN obtained the manuscript ahead of its release, allowing the authors to detail how Trump has pushed boundaries in governance, often acting without adherence to traditional protocols. The narrative captures both grand decisions and mundane interactions, illustrating the president’s approach to power as a blend of strategic boldness and impulsive behavior.

One standout anecdote from the book involves Trump’s obsession with the golden aesthetic of his White House office. According to the text, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt arrived one morning to find Trump engaged in a task that seemed more like a hobby than a presidential duty. The scene described in the book shows the president “clutching a tube of superglue and attempting to affix gold decorations to the marble fireplace mantel,” a detail that underscores his desire to control every aspect of his public image.

“As he was known to prefer his own aesthetic handiwork to anyone else’s, the sight of the President squeezing glue onto gilded appliques and mounting them on the wall himself surprised no one in his inner circle,” the authors noted.

Trump’s transformation of the Oval Office into a gilded space was further exemplified by the addition of gold vermeil figurines, medallions, and eagles, along with Rococo mirrors and tiny cherubs imported from Mar-a-Lago. These choices reflect a broader pattern of using opulence to reinforce his narrative of unmatched influence and global dominance.

Foreign Policy and the Iran Conflict

The book also delves into Trump’s foreign policy, particularly his decision to launch a military campaign against Iran in alliance with Israel. This move marked a significant shift in his approach to international relations, contrasting with his earlier hesitations. Haberman and Swan recount how Trump’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was marked by fluctuations, with the president initially expressing reluctance to support a war against Iran.

“He didn’t want any part of a Netanyahu war with Iran,” one adviser recalled during an early meeting of the administration, capturing Trump’s ambivalence toward the conflict.

Despite these doubts, Trump ultimately aligned with Israel, framing the action as a necessary step to counter perceived threats. The authors highlight how this decision exemplifies the president’s willingness to prioritize ideological consistency over measured diplomacy, even as he faced criticism for its economic and political consequences.

Methodology and Scope of the Book

Spanning over three years of research, Regime Change is based on more than 1,000 interviews with individuals directly involved in Trump’s administration. The authors explain that direct quotes are attributed to the speakers or to contemporaneous records such as notes, recordings, and transcripts, ensuring the narrative remains grounded in firsthand accounts. Their interactions with Trump, including the March sit-down, provided unique insights into his mindset and leadership style.

One of the book’s most striking moments is Trump’s immediate response to the Epstein files scandal, which exposed connections between his inner circle and a series of alleged crimes. The administration’s handling of the crisis was described as chaotic, with officials scrambling to contain the fallout. Meanwhile, Trump’s approach to foreign policy, including his decision to escalate tensions with Iran, is portrayed as both calculated and erratic, depending on the context.

Throughout the text, Haberman and Swan emphasize how Trump’s second term has seen an even greater departure from established norms than his first. The president’s unfiltered views of world leaders and his own staff are woven into the narrative, revealing a leadership style that thrives on disruption and individualism. The authors argue that this period of governance represents a new era of presidential power, where traditional constraints are frequently overlooked.

A Strategic Timing of the Document’s Release

Adding to the book’s significance, Trump posted the document on Truth Social just after midnight on the day of its publication, a move that some sources speculate was intended to pre-empt criticism from the media. The timing suggests a calculated effort to shape the narrative around his self-perception as a global leader. By presenting himself as a “presidential historian,” Trump sought to align his image with the authority of past titans, even as the origins of the document remained unverified.

The book’s release marks a pivotal moment in documenting Trump’s legacy, offering a comprehensive portrait of his leadership through the eyes of those who worked closest to him. With its blend of personal anecdotes and policy analysis, Regime Change provides a nuanced yet critical examination of how Trump’s approach to power has evolved, leaving readers to question the balance between his grandiose self-view and the realities of his presidency.