Book Introduction: Crippled America: How to Make America Great Again
Book Overview
The Political Manifesto
Donald Trump presents a stark assessment of America’s challenges: “It’s a terrible mess, and that’s putting it mildly. There has never been a more dangerous time.”
Publication Details
Title: Crippled America (Later republished as Great Again)
Author: Donald Trump
Published: November 3, 2015
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 193
Historical Context
The book served as a promotional mechanism for Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, demonstrating his conservative political stances and reassuring Republicans of his political commitment.
Core Themes
Political Vision
Trump outlines his blueprint for national transformation, including:
Fixing the failing economy
Reforming healthcare
Rebuilding military strength
Improving education
Creating jobs
Addressing illegal immigration
Writing Process
Interestingly, while no formal co-author is credited, Trump worked with ghostwriter David Fisher. The New York Daily News described the collaboration as somewhat haphazard, with Trump completing the book through “phone calls and snippets from campaign speeches.”
Book’s Unique Origin
The provocative title was inspired by a particularly unflattering photograph. Trump himself explained, “there was one picture that was just mean… Like a nasty-looking guy. … We’re going to call it ‘Crippled America.’”
Critical Reception
- Debuted at number five on The New York Times Best Seller list
NPR characterized it as typical of campaign-trail books
The New York Times criticized Trump’s dystopian view of the U.S.
CNN described the writing as centered on “Trump’s trademark simple prose”
Philosophical Insight
“It’s time to bring America back to its rightful owners—the American people.”
A raw, unfiltered manifesto of political transformation from a future president.