Fact Check: Dod trump wrote art of deal

April 8, 2025by TruthOrFake
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VERDICT
Partially True

The Claim: "Donald Trump wrote Art of the Deal"

1. Introduction

The assertion that "Donald Trump wrote Art of the Deal" refers to the 1987 book "Trump: The Art of the Deal," which is often credited to Donald J. Trump and co-authored by journalist Tony Schwartz. This claim raises questions about the extent of Trump's involvement in the writing process and the role of Schwartz as a ghostwriter.

2. What We Know

"Trump: The Art of the Deal" is a part memoir, part business advice book that has been influential in shaping Trump's public persona. It reached number one on The New York Times Best Seller list and remained there for 13 weeks, totaling 48 weeks on the list overall 1. The book is widely recognized as a significant factor in establishing Trump's brand as a businessman.

Tony Schwartz, who has publicly identified himself as the book's co-author, has stated that he wrote "every word" of the book. Schwartz has also expressed regret over his role in crafting Trump's image, describing the experience as a form of self-sabotage for Trump 23. In various interviews, Schwartz has emphasized that while Trump provided some ideas and anecdotes, the actual writing and structuring of the book were primarily his responsibility 4.

In contrast, some sources highlight Trump's contributions, suggesting that his vision and personality were integral to the book's success. For example, promotional materials and reviews often emphasize Trump's perspective as a deal-maker and businessman 56.

3. Analysis

The claim that Donald Trump "wrote" "The Art of the Deal" is nuanced and requires careful examination of the roles played by both Trump and Schwartz.

Source Reliability

  • Wikipedia 1: While generally reliable for introductory information, Wikipedia entries can be edited by anyone and should be cross-referenced with primary sources for accuracy.
  • Washington Post 2: As a reputable news organization, the Washington Post provides credible insights, particularly from Schwartz's perspective. However, Schwartz's personal views may introduce bias, as he has expressed regret about his involvement with Trump.
  • ABC News 3: This source is credible and provides a direct quote from Schwartz, reinforcing his claim of authorship. However, it reflects Schwartz's subjective experience and may not fully represent Trump's contributions.
  • The New Yorker 4: This publication is known for in-depth reporting and analysis, making it a reliable source. However, it may also reflect the author's biases against Trump.
  • Amazon 56: These listings serve as promotional material and may not provide an objective assessment of authorship. They are useful for understanding public perception but should be treated cautiously.
  • HuffPost 8: While HuffPost is a recognized outlet, it often has a progressive bias, which may color its presentation of Schwartz's warnings about Trump.
  • The Nation 9: This source offers a critical perspective on Trump’s writings, but it may also have a political agenda that influences its portrayal of the subject.

Methodology and Evidence

The evidence surrounding authorship primarily relies on personal accounts from Schwartz and promotional materials. While Schwartz's assertion of writing "every word" is compelling, it is essential to consider the nature of ghostwriting, where the credited author (Trump) may have provided overarching themes and concepts.

Additional information that would be beneficial includes:

  • Interviews with Trump about his specific contributions to the book.
  • A comparative analysis of other works co-authored by ghostwriters to understand the typical dynamics of such collaborations.

4. Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "Donald Trump wrote Art of the Deal" is partially true, as it reflects a complex interplay between Trump's contributions and Schwartz's role as a ghostwriter. Evidence indicates that while Trump provided ideas and anecdotes, Tony Schwartz was primarily responsible for the actual writing of the book. Schwartz's assertion that he wrote "every word" suggests a significant degree of authorship on his part, yet Trump's vision and personality were crucial to the book's success.

It is important to recognize the nuances in this claim, as the term "wrote" can imply varying degrees of involvement. The nature of ghostwriting often blurs the lines of authorship, making it difficult to assign credit definitively.

Moreover, the available evidence is largely based on personal accounts and subjective interpretations, which may not fully capture the collaborative nature of the writing process. Interviews with Trump or additional documentation regarding their collaboration could provide further clarity but are currently lacking.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the complexities involved in authorship claims, particularly in cases involving ghostwriters.

5. Sources

  1. The Art of the Deal - Wikipedia
  2. I wrote 'The Art of the Deal' with Trump. His self-sabotage is ... - Washington Post
  3. Tony Schwartz, Co-Author of Donald Trump's 'The Art of the Deal,' Says ... - ABC News
  4. Donald Trump's Ghostwriter Tells All - The New Yorker
  5. Trump: The Art of the Deal: Trump, Donald J., Schwartz, Tony ... - Amazon
  6. Trump: The Art of the Deal: Trump, Donald J., Schwartz, Tony ... - Amazon
  7. Summary of 'Trump: The Art of the Deal' by Donald J. Trump - New Book Recommendation
  8. 'Art Of The Deal' Co-Author Shares Grim Warning To Media ... - HuffPost
  9. Donald Trump's Long Con - The Nation
  10. Trump: The Art of the Deal by Donald J Trump - Audible.com

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