Who Actually Wrote the Donald Trump Book 'The Art of the Deal'?
The infamous The Art of the Deal has long been a subject of scrutiny, with many questioning whether Donald Trump, the author, actually penned the content. Let's dive into the truth behind the creation of this controversial business memoir.
Myth Busting: Who Actually Wrote It?
Contrary to popular belief, The Art of the Deal was not entirely written by Donald Trump. The true author behind this bestseller is a man named Tony Schwartz, a ghostwriter who had a significant influence on shaping the narrative presented in the book.
Ghostwriting in Action
During his time with Donald Trump, Schwartz spent 18 months observing and documenting Trump's operations and speech patterns. He provided insight into Trump's mindset and business strategies, creating a foundation for the book. According to a New Yorker article by Jane Mayer, Edward Kosner, a former editor at New York, stated, "Tony created Trump. He's Dr. Frankenstein." This highlights the extent to which Schwartz's work reshaped the public perception of Trump's business acumen.
Tony Schwartz's Contributions
Tony Schwartz made a deal with Donald Trump that led to something much more than an article for Playboy. Trump approached Schwartz with the idea of writing a memoir, and Schwartz agreed to ghostwrite the book. In exchange, he received a share of the royalties and half of the advance payment. Schwartz's role was more than just a ghostwriter; he transformed Trump's often incoherent thoughts and speeches into a coherent narrative that would captivate readers.
The Title Controversy
The original title of the book was planned to be "The Art of the Steal," reflecting the controversial nature of Trump's business practices. However, Trump vetoed this title, likely due to an awareness of the negative connotations it implied. This change in title suggests that there was a negotiation process where Schwartz played a significant role in crafting the final product.
Practical Considerations
Given Trump's known challenges with coherent communication, it becomes clear why his active participation in writing the book was minimal. As the article notes, 'Trump can’t write a coherent sentence.' This fact underscores the necessity of having a skilled ghostwriter to bring the author's vision to life.
The Financial Motive
Tony Schwartz's involvement was not purely altruistic. He came from a privileged background but lacked financial security. His family instilled in him the belief that wealth should be earned, not inherited. Schwartz's primary motivation was financial: he needed money to support his growing family. The deal with Trump was a means to achieve this goal.
Public Perception
Initially, the book's content resonated with many readers, especially Trump supporters who welcomed the positive portrayal of him as a successful businessman. However, as time passed, the true extent of Schwartz's involvement was revealed, leading to a shift in perception. Critics and cynics now see the book as a fabricated narrative rather than a genuine reflection of Trump's business skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Art of the Deal was a collaborative effort, primarily crafted by Tony Schwartz. This truth challenges the narrative of Trump's self-made success, revealing a more complex and often controversial story behind the creation of this influential business book. The collaboration between Trump and Schwartz highlights the power of a skilled ghostwriter in shaping the public's understanding of a highly public figure.