Traitor

A History of American Betrayal from Benedict Arnold to Donald Trump

By: David Rothkopf

Narrated by: David Rothkopf, Peter Ganim

Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Political historian and commentator David Rothkopf shows how Trump will be judged by history (Spoiler alert: not well) in Traitor.

Donald Trump is unfit in almost every respect for the high office he holds. But what distinguishes him from every other bad leader the US has had is that he has repeatedly, egregiously, betrayed his country.

Regardless of how Senate Republicans have let him off the hook, the facts available to the public show that Trump has met every necessary standard to define his behavior as traitorous. He has clearly broken faith with the people of the country he was chosen to lead, starting long before he took office, then throughout his time in the White House. And we may not yet have seen the last of his crimes. But the story we know so far is so outrageous and disturbing that it raises a question that has never before been presented in American history: Is the president of the United States the greatest threat this country faces in the world?

We also need to understand how the country has historically viewed such crimes and how it has treated them in the past to place what has happened in perspective. After his examination of traitors including Benedict Arnold, Aaron Burr, and leaders of the Confederacy, David Rothkopf concludes that Donald Trump and his many abettors have committed the highest-level, greatest, most damaging betrayal in the history of the country.

A Macmillan Audio production from Thomas Dunne Books

©2020 David Rothkopf (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Rothkopf's'Traitor'is a masterpiece

This is one of the best nonfiction I've read all year, and I read a ton of nonfiction. Rothkopf's take on the toxicity of Trump and Trumpism is unique and brilliant. Incorporates vital historical throughlines from American history which truly put in perspective the extent of the wrongs committed by Trump and his collaborators, in the US and foreign countries including Russia. Rothkopf's an expert in several areas of politics and policy, including international relations, so he's very much equipped to provide valuable perspective. Trump is proved to be what the author and I, as well as most readers, I'd bet, assert is so: Trump is a traitor, and he's committed the worst and widest array of treasonous conduct against the USA seen in American history. He tells the story of betrayals starting during the campaign, continuing through this day with countless reliable sources really eloquently. Every American should recognize this, but sadly they don't. 75 million Americans apparently cannot recognize that Trump is the least patriotic American ever and betrays and harms our country to our enemies benefit EVERY DAY. As a result of this horrifying reality, everyone should read this book.

boiling things down distinguishing traitor Trump

The ending was powerful. It listed different actions committed by Trump that were individually treasonous. Great for conversations with people who are confused.

Good historical perspective

I thought the history of treachery and betrayal throughout the history of our government since it’s inception quite interesting. The only flaw I would find in the book is that the narration was rather dry.

Great work

One of the best and most important books to read regarding the fate of our country

Excellent summary of the Trump years

Mesmerizing, accurate and fully thought out.A great read to fully understand what the Trump administration has meant to this country and the ever lasting damage that needs to begin mending with his defeat.
It sends a chill down my spine at the prospect that he might win given all of the harm that he has done to this country.

Overall review of the book

I liked this book. I read a great deal about the subject and agree with authors conclusions .

Spellbinding Masterpiece

A must read for those who believe in America's ability to survive adversity. Well done.

Who knew it was a history?

I guess I never realized all the swamp-history in our fledgling democracy. As the author indicates though, our founders believed in something greater than themselves. I’m more interested in our political histories now than ever. Thanks.

Outstanding book

To Who It May Concern,
David has done a tremendous job of conveying historical facts of treasonous and nefarious deeds by historical figures, and very saliently relates them to Donald Trump. What makes this book stand out is his meticulous distillation of Trumps treasonous behavior, listing them in a clear, irrefutable order at the end of the book. The severity and massive volumes of his crimes against our society are laid bare in the voluminous list of transgressions. I can’t recommend it more highly.
Regards,
Sam Thompson

Before and After November 3, 2020

I can guess why David Rothkopf launched Traitor when he did: the election was approaching, and he felt he could make a persuasive argument against a second term for Trump. I too believe that Donald J. Trump, Sr. is a traitor. It sickens me to think that such a vile and narcissistic man was able to con as many Americans as he has. It would be interesting to read an additional chapter, written after January 20, 2021. I have read almost everything written about Trump, and I have no doubt that there will be volumes upon volumes written in the years to come, analyzing every aspect of Trump’s rise and fall and of the etiology of Trumpism. I use etiology because, in my opinion, Trumpism is a disease, and we must understand its cause. Let us hope and pray that—four years from now—the point of further exploration and explanation is moot.