Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success

Donald Trump is a lousy businessman rescued by windfalls he didn’t earn, according to this stinging debut exposé. Delving into decades worth of financial records, legal settlements, and tax returns, New York Times reporters Buettner and Craig charge Trump with paying too much to acquire hotels, golf courses, and casinos; overspending on construction and decor; and doing it all with borrowed money that saddled his properties with debt and often forced Trump to sell at a loss. The authors argue that Trump was only able to save face because of at least $400 million in bailouts from his father. Equally important was the savvy of reality TV producer Mark Burnett, whose portrayal of Trump as a business titan on The Apprentice boosted the newly minted TV star’s flagging brand and positioned him to make lucrative deals licensing his name to other companies. The outlines of this Trump portrait are familiar, but Buettner and Craig provide highly detailed receipts alongside colorful depictions of the former president’s limitless braggadocio and unhinged tantrums (Trump once charged into one of his hotels shouting “You’re fired!” at the employees and didn’t stop until he had fired a guest). The result is a scrupulous takedown of Trump’s competence and character. (Sept.)