At War with Ourselves

My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House

De: H. R. McMaster

Narrado por: H. R. McMaster

A revealing account of National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster’s turbulent and consequential thirteen months in the Trump White House.

At War with Ourselves is the story of helping a disruptive President drive necessary shifts in U.S. foreign policy at a critical moment in history. McMaster entered an administration beset by conflict and the hyper partisanship of American politics. With the candor of a soldier and the perspective of a historian, McMaster rises above the fray to lay bare the good, the bad, and the ugly of Trump’s presidency and give listeners insight into what a second Trump term would look like.

While all administrations are subject to backstabbing and infighting, some of Trump’s more unscrupulous political advisors were determined to undermine McMaster and others to advance their narrow agendas. McMaster writes candidly about Cabinet officials who, deeply disturbed by Trump’s language and behavior, prioritized controlling the President over collaborating to provide the President with options.

McMaster offers a frank and fresh assessment of the achievements and failures of his tenure as National Security Advisor and the challenging task of maintaining one’s bearings and focus on the mission in a hectic and malicious environment.

Determined to transcend the war within the administration and focus on national security priorities, McMaster forged coalitions in Washington and internationally to help Trump advance U.S. interests. Trump’s character and personality helped him make tough decisions, but sometimes prevented him from sticking to them. McMaster adroitly assesses the record of Trump’s presidency in comparison to the Obama and Biden administrations.

With the 2024 election on the horizon, At War with Ourselves highlights the crucial importance of competence in foreign policy, and makes plain the need for leaders who possess the character and intellect to guide the United States in a tumultuous world.

©2024 H. R. McMaster (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Balanced historical account of the first year

I enjoyed the honest assessment of the policy making process with Trump and the National Security team.

Teamwork

It is often difficult to work with the smartest, purest person in the room. For a man who preached teamwork, it is disappointing that he could not work with the team of Kelly, Mattis and Tillerson who seemed to work well with one another...

Interesting perspective

Excellent story about the role of the National Security Advisor to former President Trump. Well organized & compelling story. Highly recommended

what an unconventional administration

There were many eye opening pieces of history and concern for the next presidency. This is a must read before you vote. It may not change your decision but we'll worth the time to be informed. When Trump was president he was younger and the stamina and pace of this office during a fragile era in the world should be of concern. Question is still on the table. Can Trump be trusted to do the right thing or will his ego get in the way once more.

An honest man in the Trump White House

McMaster reported fairly on his time as National Security Advisor in the Trump Administration. He clearly believed in the administration’s policies and he did his best to see them realized. He also reported fairly on the infighting in the administration and the flaws of Trump that derailed many of the policies.

Excellent record of our recent history

I am greatful for the General to present his recollection of his time spent as our National Security Advisor. This is an outstanding view inside the sausage factory. I pray for the resilience of our great country.

Compelling Personal Narrative

I thought this book was well written and flowed nicely. HR gives his first hand account of his time in the White House. Giving us his perspective on the inter workings of the President and his staff.

Definitely worth a read.

Neither an endorsement nor a tear down...

So many people get their information from memes and sound bytes...half truths, lies and hatreds. Listen to who is criticized. Listen to what is actually necessary for this place to continue thriving...and the critical role the disruption plays on a global stage. Love him or hate him (Trump)...this is an important read with open mind and incessant curiosity.

It's a (singular) perspective from first hand experience...yet still a perspective many would benefit from vice screaming assumptions and hatreds about a dude they really don't know nor have taken substantive time to hear from more than one echo chamber.

Well done.

self confidence of the author

liked some of the insights into the Trump white house. very much disliked the fact that no where in the book did the author ever say a single positive thing about Trump's previous or following presidents. apparently he does not have any respect for Democratic leaders and I will not read his other book,

Actual reportage

I feel for this general. His motivation was patriotic and sincere. He found himself in an utterly chaotic administration dealing with Trump’s petulance and with the caregivers at the presidential bassinet. At war with ourselves is a way of saying Trump is at war with himself. Trump may have a good idea in the international scene (like South Korea should pay more for its protection), but between idea, research, planning and implementation, there is this incredibly delusional and destructive personality the sets the circus-like environment in which highly skilled and experienced people are trying to do their jobs. Trump is ineffective as a leader. Worse, he is a team destroyer. Thank you for a clear narrative that allowed me to be a fly on the wall and thank you for your gargantuan effort.