Trump by Donald J. Trump, Tony Schwartz cover

Trump

The Art of the Deal

by Donald J. Trump, Tony Schwartz

4.6(17,030 ratings)
17 min read

Brief overview

This book dives into the personal strategies and lively stories behind forging major real estate and business deals. It focuses on how ambition, creativity, and a willingness to negotiate can shape opportunities and turn failures into successes. Expect a detailed account of big deals, daily routines, and practical lessons on risk-taking, collaboration, and capitalizing on timing.

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Introduction

Confidence, risk, and a flair for showmanship—these are some of the themes that run through this book. From the start, the story emphasizes going after big projects, but always keeping an eye on the potential downsides. It is also about staying connected to every facet of a deal and understanding people at the heart of negotiations.

The narrative kicks off by describing an upbringing in a family business, which specialized in modest housing developments. Craving something more ambitious, the central figure soon sets his sights on Manhattan real estate. This shift portrays the importance of trusting gut instincts, even when existing markets look volatile.

We see glimpses of an everyday routine packed with phone calls, spontaneous meetings, and brash decision-making. The pace underscores a belief that direct communication is a key to success. Throughout these early chapters, it’s clear that persistence is essential, especially when critics abound.

This introduction foreshadows how each detailed deal—whether it involves a dilapidated hotel or an underused railyard—turns into an exciting case study. The approach can seem improvisational, but there’s always an undercurrent of discipline: carefully controlling risk, negotiating from a position of strength, and leveraging the power of bold ambitions.

A decisive phone call or swift action taken at the right moment can define an entire deal.

Formative Lessons in Construction

Growing up around building sites in the outer boroughs taught essential lessons in practical execution. The focus was on erecting low-cost housing—projects that required toughness. While this was a profitable model, it was also a gritty world. Seeing the hustle and negotiation up close spurred bigger dreams.

Family influence shines through: a father who combined determination with a talent for building efficiently. At the same time, these experiences reinforced the idea that to stand out, one must venture into more glamorous pursuits. Thus, the move toward Manhattan real estate signaled a desire to make an individual mark socially and financially.

Amid these early projects, a preference for learning by doing emerges. Instead of reading endless research, it’s about trusting fieldwork, personal observations, and face-to-face insights. This emphasis on street smarts often outperforms more formal or academic approaches to real estate development.

By the end of this phase, there’s a clear contrast: pivoting from economical mass housing into high-end, showstopping properties. The notion of scale takes precedence, with a belief that large deals can sometimes be simpler than small ones, if executed with the right strategy and partnerships.

Being on-site, meeting people directly, and seeing the potential firsthand can reveal unique chances that spreadsheets often miss.

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What is Trump about?

This book centers on how ambition, creativity, and a willingness to negotiate can shape valuable opportunities. Readers get an inside look at key real estate deals and the daily habits that foster success. Through personal stories, Donald J. Trump highlights the importance of resilience and strategic thinking, turning unlikely ventures into profitable outcomes. By weaving in partnerships, property transformations, and a hands-on management style, the book shows how to shift direction when faced with setbacks and seize market trends.

An intriguing aspect is the drive to balance high-impact projects with a careful consideration of risk. The author also stresses the role of personal branding, showing how a bold public persona can help in negotiations. Overall, “Trump: The Art of the Deal” underscores why creativity, timing, and resourcefulness remain crucial in competitive fields.

Review of Trump

This book’s strength lies in its mix of personal anecdotes and practical takeaways. The narrative walks readers through how to spot undervalued assets, negotiate under pressure, and preserve leverage. Trump’s straightforward writing style keeps things clear, which helps readers pinpoint tactics they can apply in their own careers, whether in real estate or elsewhere.

Some may find the tone direct and self-assured, but this quality illustrates how confidence can influence major deals. The chapters also explore how small changes—like securing a better financing agreement—can yield huge results. Ultimately, I recommend “Trump: The Art of the Deal” to those who value real-world lessons on building partnerships, focusing on upside, and persevering through challenges.

Who should read Trump?

  • Real estate investors aiming to identify properties others overlook
  • Negotiation specialists seeking strong, real-world case studies
  • Aspiring entrepreneurs looking for advice on structured deal-making
  • Business professionals curious about combining personal branding with financial tactics

About the author

Donald J. Trump is a businessman and the 45th President of the United States, known for his extensive career in real estate development and his successful presidential campaign in 2016. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Finance and has written more than fourteen bestsellers. Tony Schwartz is a journalist and author who co-authored "The Art of the Deal" with Donald Trump. He has written extensively on leadership and transformation, and his other notable works include "The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy Not Time" and "The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working." Schwartz has coached many CEOs and senior leaders and has delivered keynotes and training to companies around the world.

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