Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump

Maggie Haberman, Jonathan Swan
71 pages2-hour read
Nonfiction
Book
Adult
Published in 2026

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Book Brief

Maggie Haberman, Jonathan Swan

Regime Change

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2026
Book Details
Pages

496

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Theme
Economics

•

Immigration

•

Politics & Government
Topic
Politics & Government
First Publication Year

2026

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Reviews & Readership

4.5

8,746 ratings

90%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

In Regime Change, Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan offer a sharp analysis of political transitions. Critics praise the book's thorough research and insightful perspectives on governance. However, some note it leans heavily on insider accounts, which may limit broader applicability. Overall, it provides a compelling narrative for political enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Regime Change?

Readers interested in political journalism and insider accounts of U.S. politics will enjoy Regime Change by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. Fans of Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff and Fear by Bob Woodward will appreciate its in-depth reportage and analysis of political dynamics.

4.5

8,746 ratings

90%

Loved it

8%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Key Figures

The 45th and 47th president, Trump is depicted as leading an "imperial presidency" with a focus on personal power and impulsive decisions, often bypassing traditional processes.

As deputy chief of staff and homeland security advisor, Miller is the architect of Trump's radical domestic policies, focusing on immigration crackdowns and ideological initiatives.

Secretary of state and national security advisor, Rubio is a former primary rival turned loyal executor of Trump's America First foreign policy, balancing it with his own pragmatism.

Vice President Vance is portrayed as a loyalist navigating the administration's direction while representing the party’s anti-interventionist sentiment.

White House chief of staff, Wiles is seen as a stabilizing force, bringing order and managing internal conflicts within the Trump administration.

Appointed to lead a pseudo-agency, Musk's tenure is marked by conflicts with traditional government processes, ultimately leading to his departure.

A New York real-estate developer, Witkoff serves as a special envoy dealing with global conflicts, focusing on personal diplomacy.

Though not holding a formal position, Bannon remains an influential ideological figure providing insights into Trump's political transformation.

As secretary of the Treasury, Bessent is responsible for managing economic policy and federal finances, balancing expertise with Trump’s political instincts.

Biden, the 46th president, is a significant background figure as Trump’s second term positions itself against the policies and decline of the Biden administration.

President of El Salvador, Bukele serves as a model for Trump's immigration enforcement approach through transactional politics.

A conservative commentator, Carlson influences Trump through his media presence and critiques, particularly on foreign policy decisions.

Speaker of the House, Johnson's leadership is marked by deference to Trump’s agenda, illustrating the Republican-controlled Congress’s relationship with the presidency.

Founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk is influential in shaping Trump’s administration personnel and is emblematic of the younger MAGA movement.

As executive assistant to Trump, Harp highlights the personal nature of his presidency, characterized by loyalty and access.

White House press secretary, Leavitt transforms the press operation into a more direct extension of Trump’s political messaging.

A far-right political activist, Loomer influences Trump’s personnel decisions and exemplifies the importance of loyalty over formal roles.

Secretary of Commerce, Lutnick is central to Trump’s economic nationalism, focusing on trade negotiations and tariffs.

Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu plays a crucial role in influencing Trump’s foreign policy decisions regarding Iran.

Russian president, Putin is central to Trump’s attempt at direct leader-to-leader diplomacy and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Ukrainian president, Zelensky faces challenges with Trump’s emphasis on negotiating a settlement with Russia while seeking continued US support.

Book Details
Pages

496

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Theme
Economics

•

Immigration

•

Politics & Government
Topic
Politics & Government
First Publication Year

2026

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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