The Divider Summary

In "The Divider," Peter Baker and Susan Glasser offer an in-depth exploration of Donald Trump's presidency. Trump's tenure was marked by extreme polarization in American politics, and this book delves into the reasons and consequences of this division. It examines how Trump's unique style of leadership, his unorthodox communication methods, and his approach to policy-making contributed to a deeply divided nation.

Trump's entry into the political arena was unexpected. He was a well-known real-estate mogul and television personality before running for president. His campaign was characterized by a populist message that resonated with a significant portion of the American electorate. He tapped into the economic anxieties of working-class Americans, promising to bring back jobs and make America great again. His anti-establishment stance and brash personality attracted a large following, allowing him to defeat more traditional candidates in the Republican primaries. The media played a complex role in his rise. While some outlets were critical of him, Trump's ability to generate media attention was unparalleled. His tweets, rallies, and controversial statements ensured that he was constantly in the spotlight, which helped him build a base of loyal supporters.

The first 100 days of Trump's presidency were a whirlwind of activity. He issued a series of executive orders, many of which were aimed at fulfilling his campaign promises. One of the most notable was the travel ban, which restricted entry into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. This order faced immediate legal challenges and sparked widespread protests across the country. Trump also focused on immigration, with a push for a border wall along the U.S. - Mexico border. His administration took a hard-line approach to immigration enforcement, leading to family separations at the border and a significant increase in deportations. In terms of economic policy, Trump promised tax cuts and deregulation. His administration proposed a large-scale tax reform package that aimed to stimulate economic growth. However, the details of these policies were often met with criticism, especially from Democrats who argued that the tax cuts would disproportionately benefit the wealthy.

The relationship between Trump and the media was highly adversarial. Trump frequently referred to the media as the "enemy of the people." He used his Twitter account to attack journalists and news organizations, often labeling them as "fake news." This created a climate of distrust between the White House and the media. The media, on the other hand, was constantly scrutinizing Trump's actions and statements. Reporters were faced with the challenge of covering a president who often made false or misleading claims. Fact-checking became a crucial part of journalism during Trump's presidency. The media's role in holding the president accountable was both praised and criticized. Some saw it as an essential part of a functioning democracy, while others believed that the media was overly critical of Trump.

Trump's domestic policy agenda faced numerous challenges in Congress. His attempts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, were met with significant opposition. Republicans in Congress were divided on the issue, and despite multiple attempts, they were unable to pass a comprehensive replacement. The failure of this effort was a major setback for Trump's domestic policy goals. In addition to healthcare, Trump also focused on issues such as education and environmental policy. His administration proposed cuts to education programs and rolled back many environmental regulations. These policies were controversial, with Democrats and environmental groups strongly opposing them. The battles over domestic policy further deepened the political divide in the United States.