With the spotlight constantly on political figures, their personal tastes—especially in literature—can offer insights into their thinking, beliefs, and values.
President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have shared their favorite reads over the years, giving the public a peek into their intellectual influences. Let’s dive into what these books reveal about each leader.
Donald Trump’s favorite reads are a mix of self-help, strategy, and leadership-focused texts, many of which aim to foster personal development and financial success. His literary preferences paint a picture of someone who values winning, strategy, and self-made success.
9 Book Reads Recommended by Donald Trump
Donald Trump, known for his success in business and politics, often references books that have influenced his thinking.
From strategy to self-help, his favorite reads provide insights into how he approaches leadership, success, and life. Below is a list of nine books recommended by Donald Trump and how each reflects his values and mindset.
1. The Holy Bible
The Bible is a foundational text for Trump, who has often spoken about its importance. It’s not only a religious guide for many but also a book full of lessons on morality, leadership, and perseverance. For Trump, the Bible serves as a source of wisdom and guidance in navigating life’s challenges.
2. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
An ancient Chinese military treatise, The Art of War emphasizes the importance of strategy, competition, and understanding one’s enemy. Trump has cited this book as one of his favorites due to its timeless lessons on how to outmanoeuvre opponents and succeed in high-stakes situations. Its principles of preparation, deception, and adaptability resonate with Trump’s competitive nature in both business and politics.
3. The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
Machiavelli’s The Prince is a classic work on political power, often associated with ruthless pragmatism and cunning leadership. Trump’s admiration for this book aligns with his belief in strong, decisive leadership.
The Prince teaches that the ends justify the means, and successful leaders are those who understand power dynamics and how to wield authority effectively.
4. The Watchman’s Rattle by Rebecca Costa
In The Watchman’s Rattle, Costa explores the complexity of modern problems and why societies struggle to solve them. She argues that human brains are overwhelmed by modern-day challenges, leading to societal collapse unless we learn to think differently.
This book appeals to Trump’s interest in problem-solving on a global scale and reflects his concern for big-picture issues like politics, economics, and national security.
5. Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki
Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant offers advice on achieving financial freedom by moving beyond traditional employment to become a business owner or investor.
Trump, a self-made real estate tycoon, resonates with Kiyosaki’s ideas of entrepreneurship and wealth-building through assets. The book encourages readers to think beyond conventional career paths and to create financial independence—something Trump has embodied throughout his career.
6. Talent Is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
Talent Is Overrated challenges the idea that innate talent is the key to success, arguing instead that deliberate practice and hard work are what truly lead to excellence.
Trump, who often highlights his own business acumen as a result of persistent effort, likely appreciates this book’s emphasis on dedication and discipline over natural ability. For Trump, success comes from persistence and strategic improvement rather than inherent gifts.
7. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
This classic novel about World War I highlights the horrors of war and the emotional toll it takes on soldiers. While Trump is known for his emphasis on military strength, All Quiet on the Western Front reflects his acknowledgement of the heavy cost of war.
The novel’s sombre themes of sacrifice, loss, and the futility of conflict offer a deeper perspective on military and political leadership.
8. Game of Thorns by Doug Wead
Game of Thorns is a detailed account of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, focusing on how Trump overcame the odds to win. Written by Doug Wead, the book provides insights into Trump’s campaign strategy, media battles, and the political landscape of the time. T
rump’s recommendation of this book reflects his belief in strategic planning, resilience, and media savvy as key components of his victory.
9. Dare to Fly by Martha McSally
In Dare to Fly, former U.S. Air Force pilot and politician Martha McSally shares lessons on courage, resilience, and overcoming adversity. Trump, who often emphasizes personal strength and perseverance, likely admires McSally’s tenacity and leadership.
Her story of breaking barriers in the military and politics aligns with Trump’s admiration for those who push boundaries and defy expectations.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris is known for her sharp intellect, and her choice in books reflects a deep engagement with themes of identity, race, social justice, and cultural understanding. As a voracious reader, her literary influences are rooted in exploring human struggles and the nuances of the American experience, especially as it pertains to marginalized communities.
5 Recommended Books by Kamala Harris
1. Native Son by Richard Wright
This classic novel tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a young Black man navigating systemic racism in Chicago. Wright’s exploration of race and social injustice has left a lasting mark on American literature, and it’s no surprise that Harris, a champion of civil rights, holds this book close to her heart.
2. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
In this moving tale of friendship, betrayal, and redemption, Harris finds a rich narrative of empathy and understanding across cultural boundaries. Hosseini‘s work often touches on complex, emotional relationships, something Harris likely appreciates given her role as a unifying political figure.
3. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
This novel, centered around four Chinese-American immigrant families, offers stories of generational conflict, resilience, and the immigrant experience. Harris, herself the daughter of immigrants, likely connects deeply with this work and its themes of family and cultural identity.
4. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
Morrison’s exploration of African American life through magical realism and rich storytelling resonates with Harris’ deep commitment to addressing issues of inequality and social justice.
Morrison’s ability to address profound human truths with beauty and complexity is something Harris has cited as influential.
5. Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama
A memoir by former President Obama, Dreams from My Father delves into issues of race, identity, and family, much like the concerns that drive Harris’ work. As a trailblazing woman of color in American politics, this book reflects Harris’ own journey of finding identity within a political landscape shaped by race and heritage.
Documentaries on Donald Trump
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is poised to make a notable return to the political stage.
At 78, he called his victory over Kamala Harris a “remarkable win for the American people.” As Republicans celebrate this milestone, Trump’s legacy continues to draw public interest. Many seek to understand his complex life and career through documentaries that explore his rise, controversies, and presidency.
Here are five documentaries offering different perspectives on Donald Trump’s life and impact:
1) Trump: What’s the Deal? (1991): Originally released in 1991, this documentary delves into Trump’s real estate ventures and business empire of the early 1990s. It provides a look at his rise in the real estate world, particularly in New York City, and explores both his successes and challenges. The film is available on streaming platforms like YouTube, and for purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
2) The Apprentice (2024): Directed by Ali Abbasi, this biographical drama chronicles Trump’s transformation from a young businessman to a real estate tycoon. S
et in the 1970s and 1980s, it stars Sebastian Stan as Trump, Jeremy Strong as his controversial mentor Roy Cohn, and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump. The film focuses on Trump’s ambition and the influences that shaped his rise to power, foreshadowing his later political career.
3) The Accidental President (2020): Directed by James Fletcher, this documentary examines Trump’s unexpected victory in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Featuring interviews, archival footage, and analysis of public sentiment, it explores the factors that contributed to his win and highlights the strategic errors of Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
4) Biography: The Trump Dynasty (2019): This three-part series traces the history of the Trump family across three generations, from their roots during the Klondike Gold Rush to the rise of Donald Trump as a real estate magnate. Featuring exclusive footage and interviews, the series highlights key moments in Trump’s life, including his career in New York real estate and his presidential campaign. Available on Prime Video.
5) Trump: An American Dream (2017): This four-part documentary series offers a comprehensive view of Trump’s life, from his early days as a real estate mogul to his ascent to the presidency. Featuring interviews and archival footage, it situates Trump’s story within the broader context of political, economic, and media shifts in America. The series is available on Netflix.
These documentaries provide varied perspectives on Donald Trump’s rise and the impact he has had on American politics and culture.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s reading lists reveal two very different intellectual worlds. Harris’ choices reflect her deep commitment to social justice, empathy, and understanding across different communities, while Trump’s picks focus on strategy, success, and self-empowerment.
Together, their book selections offer a fascinating glimpse into the minds of two of America’s most prominent political figures.
Whether you’re seeking to better understand them as individuals or just looking for new books to add to your reading list, their literary favorites provide much food for thought.
