Hiding in Plain Sight: The Invention of Donald Trump and the Erosion of America

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From New York Times bestselling author Sarah Kendzior comes a candid examination of Donald Trump's calculated rise to power since the 1980s and the erosion of American liberty. This narrative uncovers a buried American history, one that those in power preferred to keep hidden. Kendzior's work reveals how the story of Trump's ascent is intertwined with the fragility of American democracy, highlighting the gradual loss of freedom, the rise of corruption, and the emergence of an autocratic state. With her signature style, she traces Trump's journey from the 1980s to the present, connecting pivotal moments in his life to the degradation of the political system and civil liberties, influenced by foreign powers. Additionally, Kendzior shares her personal experiences of being in the wrong place at the wrong time—living in New York during 9/11 and in St. Louis during the Ferguson uprising—while researching media and authoritarianism. The book emphasizes the danger of apathy, doubt, and fear in the face of emerging threats. It confronts the injustices we have long overlooked, asserting that acknowledging the truth is essential for progress.