Former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster has recently released a captivating book delving into his experiences working alongside former President Donald Trump. Titled “At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House,” McMaster provides a candid account of his time serving under Trump from February 2017 to April 2018.
In his book, McMaster paints a vivid picture of Trump as a challenging boss, susceptible to the tactics of perceived adversaries of the United States. One particularly striking anecdote detailed in the book involves Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ability to manipulate Trump by appealing to his ego and insecurities through flattery.
McMaster recalls a moment where Trump requested him to deliver a note of appreciation to Putin after the Russian president criticized the American political system but praised Trump. This incident occurred shortly after Putin was accused of directing an attack on a former Russian military operative with a nerve agent.
Expressing his bewilderment, McMaster writes, “After over a year in this job, I cannot understand Putin’s hold on Trump.” This sentiment is further echoed in McMaster’s recollection of a trip to Beijing in November 2017, where he warned Trump about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s intentions to prioritize China’s interests over those of the United States.
During the trip, McMaster observed Trump siding with Xi on contentious issues such as South Korean military exercises and China’s claim on the Senkaku Islands. Feeling dejected, McMaster penned a note to White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, lamenting that Xi had “ate our lunch.”
McMaster also sheds light on Trump’s relationships with former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and former Secretary of Defense James Mattis, describing their lack of confidence in a president they deemed impulsive, erratic, and dangerous to the nation.
Ultimately, McMaster portrays Trump’s administration as a “vortex of vitriol,” with Trump himself being labeled as the “antagonist in his own story.” While McMaster’s account has sparked controversy, with a spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 election campaign dismissing the book as filled with “untrue stories,” it undeniably offers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period in American politics.