Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America

By Maggie Haberman

The #1 New York Times bestseller and definitive biography of Donald J. Trump. Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Maggie Haberman delivers a sweeping, deeply reported chronicle of Trump’s life—from his rise in 1970s New York to his post-presidency—and the forces that shaped him and the country he led.

Book Synopsis

Few reporters have followed Donald Trump more closely than Maggie Haberman. In Confidence Man, she draws on hundreds of interviews—including with Trump himself—to paint a portrait of a man driven by self-interest, shaped by transactional relationships, and obsessed with dominance. From his early days navigating New York’s tabloid culture to his tumultuous presidency and beyond, Haberman reveals how Trump’s worldview was forged and how it continues to influence American politics. This is a story of ambition, chaos, and the unraveling of democratic norms.

Perfect For

• Readers of political biography and investigative journalism
• Fans of Fear by Bob Woodward and The Divider by Peter Baker & Susan Glasser
• Students of American democracy, media, and leadership
• Anyone seeking a comprehensive account of the Trump era

Praise & Recognition

“This is the book Trump fears most.”
—Axios

“Will be a primary source about the most vexing president in American history for years to come.”
—Joe Klein, The New York Times

“A uniquely illuminating portrait.”
—Sean Wilentz, The Washington Post

“A monumental look at Donald Trump and his presidency.”
—David Shribman, Los Angeles Times

About the Author

Maggie Haberman is a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and senior political correspondent for The New York Times. She has covered Donald Trump for decades and is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative voices on his presidency and legacy.

Other Related Titles

• The Divider by Peter Baker & Susan Glasser
• Fear by Bob Woodward
• I Alone Can Fix It by Carol Leonnig & Philip Rucker
• Twilight of Democracy by Anne Applebaum

Product Details

• Publisher: Penguin Press
• Publication Date: October 4, 2022
• Format: Hardcover / Paperback / eBook / Audiobook
• ISBN: 9780593297346
• Pages: 608