Ministry of Truth

Democracy, Reality, and the Republicans' War on the Recent Past

By: Steve Benen

Narrated by: Rachel Maddow

READ BY RACHEL MADDOW

A searing, vital investigation of the Republican Party’s dangerous campaign to rewrite history in real time, from the Emmy Award-winning Rachel Maddow Show producer and bestselling author of The Impostors.

“There is nobody…who has more influence on the way I think about politics than Steve Benen.” —Rachel Maddow

For as long as historical records have existed, authoritarian regimes have tried to rewrite history to suit their purposes, using their dictatorial powers to create myths, spread propaganda, justify decisions, erase opponents, and even dispose of crimes.

Today, as America’s Republican Party becomes increasingly radicalized, it’s not surprising to see the GOP read from a similarly despotic script. Indeed, the party is taking dangerous, aggressive steps to rewrite history—and not just from generations past. Unable to put a positive spin on Trump-era scandals and fiascos, GOP voices and their allies have grown determined to rewrite the stories of the last few years—from the 2020 election results and the horror of January 6th to their own legislative record—treating the recent past as an enemy to be overpowered, crushed, and conquered. The consequences for our future, in turn, are dramatic.

Extraordinarily timely and undeniably important, Steve Benen’s new book tells the staggering chronicle of the Republican party’s unsettling attempts at historical revisionism. It reveals not only how dependent they have grown on the tactic, but also how dangerous the consequences are if we allow the party to continue. The stakes, Benen argues, couldn’t be higher: the future of democracy hinges on both our accurate understanding of events and the end of alternative narratives that challenge reality.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

I pray I will allowed to forward this book

Forward this book to all family, friends & foes that continue to drink the kool-aide. Our country, our democracy, our FREEDOM is on all of us November 05, 2025. WE WILL NOT GO BACK!🇺🇸🇺🇸

The simple but accurate truth

I like how clear, concise the information was. All truthful statements that some I had forgotten. Helped to understand the backstory which some I had forgotten.

Great book - scary as it is!

Rachel tells the unsettling and important story of the unbelievable descent of the GOP into Orwellian absurdity in her trademark tight and direct style. As usual, she has her research down with details that makes the storytelling all the more gripping. I listened to it all in one go. One minor shortcoming: your intonation gets a bit repetitive. Suggest you consider a professional actor to read the story.

Good Read -Politics in America

For all those that would like a better understanding of recent political events, this is a good book or to hear the another perspective. It shows just how distorted truth is only based on one’s perception on political bias. January 6 was not a tourist visit.

An important Short Read before the election!

This book provides a great recap of all of the terrible lies by Trump and the Republicans and their “War on the Recent Past”. It describes the Republicans strategy of “organized lying” to rewrite their recent history on issues that in reality don’t turn out so well for them. Just keep telling the lies and unfortunately too many people will believe those lies!!! A great book to read in this election season.