Trump: The Art of the Deal

Part of the Donald Trump image is to be associated with large, glamorous building developments. How do buildings such as Trump Tower embody a certain aspect of Trump’s personality? Could they symbolize any of his shortcomings or fears as expressed in the book?

The Art of the Deal was released in the 1980s. How did the book influence the media portrayal of New York businessmen and property moguls during the ensuring decades?

Donald Trump is credited as the author of The Art of the Deal, but the book was ghostwritten by Tony Schwartz. In what ways do you believe Schwartz’s influence can be felt throughout the book? What is the potential benefit to a figure like Trump in having a coauthor?

Trump lists his many problems with government officials and bureaucracy throughout The Art of the Deal. In what ways does he position himself as the ideological champion against the perils of government failure?

Family members such as Ivana and Robert are referenced by Trump throughout the book. In what ways does he rely on his family to ensure that his businesses are properly run? To what extent is he willing to share credit, and what does this reveal about his character?

Trump’s recollections about his past include a number of references to the influential people in his life. Which of these people emerges as the most influential in a positive way? Which of these people emerges as most influential in a negative way?

As his building projects become grander, the name Trump is emblazoned on each of the biggest buildings. How does Trump’s use of his name reflect his personality? How does it negatively and positively impact his brand?

Throughout The Art of the Deal, Donald Trump describes the many business ventures that have made him a great deal of money. Of these many projects, which do you believe was the most personally satisfying to him? Why?