Former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster recently released a gripping new book shedding light on his time working alongside President Donald Trump. Titled “At War With Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House,” McMaster’s candid anecdotes and revelations provide a unique insight into the inner workings of the administration.
McMaster, a Philadelphia native who served as National Security Advisor from February 2017 to April 2018, doesn’t hold back in his portrayal of Trump as a challenging boss susceptible to the charms of perceived adversaries of the United States.
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One of the most striking sections of the book details McMaster’s observations of Trump’s interactions with other world leaders. McMaster believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin skillfully manipulated Trump by appealing to his ego and insecurities with flattery. McMaster recounts a troubling incident where Trump asked him to convey a message of gratitude to Putin after the Russian leader criticized the American political system but praised Trump.
Despite McMaster’s warnings about manipulation, Trump appeared to align with other world leaders like Chinese President Xi Jinping on key issues that McMaster believed were detrimental to American interests. McMaster’s frustrations are evident as he recounts feeling defeated when he believed Xi had outmaneuvered the U.S. during negotiations.
McMaster also delves into the dynamics within Trump’s Cabinet, painting a picture of distrust and discord among key officials. Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and former Secretary of Defense James Mattis are described as lacking confidence in a president they viewed as impulsive and dangerous.
McMaster’s portrayal of Trump’s administration as a “vortex of vitriol” positions the former president as the antagonist of his own story. Despite his criticisms, McMaster offers valuable insights into the challenges of serving in the Trump White House.
In response to McMaster’s book, a spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 campaign dismissed the claims as “untrue stories” intended to boost book sales. However, McMaster’s candid revelations are sure to spark discussions and debates about the complexities of the Trump administration.