A new book by former White House National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster reveals a portrait of Donald Trump as an insecure leader whose craving for flattery and validation made him susceptible to manipulation by foreign adversaries.
McMaster’s book, At War with Ourselves, adds to the growing collection of insider accounts from Trump administration officials, reflecting the ongoing fascination with his tumultuous presidency. Serving for 13 months before his departure in 2018, McMaster offers a nuanced view, acknowledging Trump’s contributions to counter-terrorism and his recognition of the need for a tougher stance on China. However, he also criticizes some colleagues—especially former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and former Defense Secretary James Mattis—for failing to provide the steady leadership needed for a president inexperienced in public office.
McMaster doesn’t shy away from his own shortcomings, admitting his struggle to overcome tensions with Tillerson and Mattis, who viewed Trump as impulsive and dangerous. He reflects on how these internal conflicts undermined their collective efforts to guide the president effectively.
The book, set to release on Tuesday, depicts a chaotic White House environment where Trump’s need for praise often exacerbated dysfunction. McMaster recounts how Trump’s penchant for gossip and intrigue contributed to a fraught atmosphere, including his attempts to pit advisers against each other.
Trump’s relationship with Russia is particularly scrutinized, with McMaster detailing how Vladimir Putin exploited Trump’s insecurities and desire for praise. Despite McMaster’s warnings about Putin’s manipulative tactics, Trump’s eagerness for flattery led to a vulnerable position during their interactions.
McMaster also compares Trump to former President Lyndon Johnson, noting similar traits of insecurity and a loose relationship with the truth. He describes Trump’s response to criticism and his struggles with the pressures of the presidency, including moments of frustration during a 2017 trip to the Middle East and Italy.
As Trump, now 78, remains a central figure in the 2024 presidential race, McMaster’s revelations offer new insights into the character and conduct of a leader whose tenure was marked by significant internal strife.
