In their new book “Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump,” journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan provide a detailed chronicle of the first 14 months of Donald Trump’s second presidential term, revealing how the former president and his family expanded their fortune by more than $1 billion amid a climate of political and institutional acquiescence.

The narrative, published by Simon & Schuster, draws from the authors’ extensive decade-long coverage of Trump’s political career, offering a vivid account of key events and decisions that have defined the administration. Central to the book is Trump’s own explanation for reversing his earlier directive that his family refrain from engaging in new international business deals during his presidency. Asked why he was now permitting such activities, Trump reportedly responded, “Because I found out that nobody cared. I’m allowed to.” According to the authors, “nobody” refers to the network of loyal aides, a Republican-controlled Congress that largely failed to enforce checks and balances, supportive tech leaders, and the devoted MAGA base, all of whom have enabled Trump’s unchecked conduct.

Haberman and Swan document a White House environment where reality and spectacle increasingly blur. Trump relied heavily on a constant stream of positive media and social media feedback curated by aides like Natalie Harp, who wrote adoring letters and read encouraging comments aloud to bolster his self-image. This atmosphere fed his belief in personal grandeur, exemplified by plans for a monumental triumphal arch in Washington and ambitious foreign policy proposals such as annexing Canada and Greenland, and designating Venezuela as the 51st state following a January 2026 raid that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The book highlights a series of controversial policy moves and incidents, including the militarization of U.S. cities, aggressive immigration enforcement by ICE, interference in the Federal Reserve’s independence, and escalating tensions with Iran culminating in the U.S. joining the Israeli bombing campaign in mid-2025. Trump's public statements and decision-making process displayed a blend of political calculation and theatricality, as illustrated by his comments dismissing support for Ukraine except for admiration of its pageant winners and likening his harsh public criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to a successful television show.

The authors also expose a White House culture steeped in self-promotion and spectacle, with Trump nominating officials like John Ratcliffe based on perceived casting qualities rather than expertise, and defense officials providing him with graphic video material described internally as “snuff films.” Moments of absurdity permeate the narrative, including Trump’s inquiry to French President Emmanuel Macron about safety features on the Arc de Triomphe, reflecting his preoccupation with the scale and symbolism of his own monumental ambitions.

While “Regime Change” offers a sweeping and immersive account of Trump’s second term, it also signals emerging challenges to his authority. The ongoing conflict with Iran has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, inflation has undermined his economic promises, and public approval ratings have fallen. Haberman and Swan suggest that these developments may mark a turning point in the saga, where the president confronts the growing consequences of his unrestrained governance.

The book serves as a timely and thorough record of an administration marked by a fusion of power, spectacle, and impunity, raising broader questions about accountability and the resilience of democratic institutions in the face of autocratic tendencies.