The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir

By John Bolton

A revealing, insider account of the Trump presidency from the former National Security Advisor. In this #1 New York Times bestseller, John Bolton offers a detailed, firsthand chronicle of his 453 days in the West Wing—an era marked by chaos, confrontation, and consequential decisions that shaped global affairs.

Book Synopsis

With near-daily access to President Trump, Bolton documents a presidency driven by personal interest and reelection calculations. From Syria’s chemical attacks to the G7 summits, from North Korea’s provocations to the impeachment saga, The Room Where It Happened exposes the inner workings of a White House in turmoil. Bolton recounts how loyalty to the president often eclipsed national interest, and how foreign policy was treated like a real estate deal—transactional, theatrical, and self-serving.

Perfect For

• Readers of political memoirs and national security reporting
• Fans of Fear by Bob Woodward and I Alone Can Fix It by Rucker & Leonnig
• Students of U.S. foreign policy and executive leadership
• Anyone seeking a firsthand account of the Trump administration’s inner circle

Praise & Recognition

“A scathing and revelatory account... indispensable, jaw-dropping, and specific.”
—The New Yorker

“The most substantive, critical dissection of the president from an administration insider.”
—The Washington Post

“Absurdly entertaining... a riveting read.”
—The Daily Show

About the Author

John Bolton served as National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump and as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under President George W. Bush. A veteran of multiple Republican administrations, Bolton is known for his hawkish foreign policy views and deep experience in international affairs.

Other Related Titles

• Fear by Bob Woodward
• I Alone Can Fix It by Carol Leonnig & Philip Rucker
• Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff
• Confidence Man by Maggie Haberman

Product Details

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Publication Date: June 23, 2020
• Format: Hardcover / Paperback / eBook / Audiobook
• ISBN: 9781982148034
• Pages: 592