
Trump's political manifesto that shaped his presidency. Debuting at #5 on NYT bestsellers, this blueprint for "winning again" became so influential that signed copies with both Donald and Melania's signatures are now rare collector's items. America's divide in 193 pages.
Donald John Trump is the author of Crippled America: How to Make America Great Again and a prominent businessman turned political figure who built his reputation as a real estate mogul and deal-maker. The book represents a comprehensive political manifesto that outlines Trump's conservative policy vision across immigration, healthcare, education, and economic reform.
Trump's authority on business and leadership stems from decades of experience in real estate development, where he learned deal-making under the tutelage of his father, Fred Trump. His business acumen and track record of building landmark structures and creating jobs form the foundation of his political philosophy detailed throughout the book. Trump has authored several other works, including the bestselling The Art of the Deal, which established his reputation as a master negotiator.
Crippled America served as a cornerstone of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and has been widely read by political observers seeking to understand his policy positions and leadership approach.
Crippled America is Donald Trump's 2015 campaign book outlining his political vision for restoring America's greatness. The book covers Trump's positions on key issues including immigration, healthcare, the economy, education, and foreign policy, while criticizing career politicians and special interest groups. Trump argues that America has been "crippled" by ineffective leadership and proposes business-oriented solutions to revitalize the country.
Crippled America is ideal for readers interested in understanding Trump's political philosophy and policy positions during his 2016 presidential campaign. The book appeals to voters seeking alternatives to traditional politicians, supporters of business-oriented governance, and anyone curious about Trump's perspective on America's challenges. Political enthusiasts and those studying campaign literature will find valuable insights into his messaging strategies.
Crippled America offers direct insight into Trump's political thinking and campaign promises, making it valuable for understanding his presidential approach. Reader reviews are polarized, with supporters praising its clarity and vision while critics question its feasibility. The book serves as an important historical document of the 2016 election cycle, regardless of one's political alignment.
The core themes include dismantling the political establishment, implementing business principles in government, and restoring American competitiveness. Trump advocates for stronger border security including a wall with Mexico, repealing the Affordable Care Act, eliminating the Department of Education, and implementing a flat tax system. He emphasizes bringing manufacturing jobs back to America and reducing dependence on career politicians and lobbyists.
Trump characterizes the American immigration system as a complete failure that has allowed violent criminals to enter the country. He proposes comprehensive immigration reform including constructing a substantial border wall with Mexico and cutting federal funding to sanctuary cities. The book presents stronger border security as essential to national safety and economic prosperity.
Trump positions himself as a strong opponent of the Affordable Care Act, advocating for its complete repeal and replacement. He proposes implementing a free-market healthcare system that would increase competition and reduce costs. The book argues that market-driven solutions would provide better care while eliminating government inefficiencies in healthcare delivery.
Trump presents an infrastructure investment plan that he claims would create 13 million jobs and generate the largest economic boom since Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. He advocates for a flat tax system benefiting the middle class and policies to bring manufacturing jobs back from overseas. The book emphasizes using business expertise rather than political experience to drive economic growth.
Trump portrays career politicians as a privileged class more concerned with personal ambitions than serving ordinary citizens. He criticizes the political establishment for prioritizing job security, campaign fundraising, and appeasing special interest groups over solving real problems. The book argues that Washington's stagnation results from a lack of leadership, courage, and practical business wisdom.
Crippled America builds on Trump's business success narrative from "The Art of the Deal" while positioning him as the outsider who will negotiate better deals for America. Unlike traditional political memoirs, the book emphasizes business accomplishments over political experience as qualifications for leadership. Critics note similarities to Obama's "The Audacity of Hope" in presenting an outsider's critique of Washington dysfunction.
Trump advocates for eliminating the Department of Education and returning educational policy-making to state governments. He supports school choice initiatives that would force schools to compete for students, believing market competition will improve educational quality. The book presents privatization and competition as solutions to America's educational challenges.
Critics argue the book lacks substantive policy details and relies heavily on Trump's business persona rather than addressing complex governance issues. Some reviewers note the absence of discussion on significant social issues like police violence and systemic inequality. The book has been criticized for promoting an individualistic worldview that may create "more losers than winners" in society.
Feel the book through the author's voice
Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights
Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning
Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way
I don't play that game.
I give them what politicians don't: the truth.
A country that can't protect its borders isn't a country.
Sending our troops should be the absolute last resort.
Break down key ideas from Crippled America into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.
Distill Crippled America into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight key principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Experience Crippled America through vivid storytelling that turns innovation lessons into moments you'll remember and apply.
Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

Get the Crippled America summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.
When Donald Trump announced his presidential candidacy in 2015, he deliberately chose an unsmiling portrait for his book cover-a visual statement about America's condition. Unlike typical political memoirs filled with focus-grouped platitudes, Trump's manifesto presents his unfiltered assessment of national decline and his blueprint for revival. The book quickly became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 200,000 copies in its first month. Even his harshest critics couldn't ignore how he articulated frustrations felt by millions who believed their country had lost its way. As a billionaire entering politics, Trump positioned himself as the ultimate outsider-someone who had witnessed the system's dysfunction firsthand and possessed the business acumen to fix it. What made his candidacy remarkable wasn't just his wealth or fame, but his willingness to risk his reputation and brand to challenge what he saw as a broken political system. Whether you agreed with him or not, Trump represented something America hadn't seen in generations: a figure from outside the political establishment determined to fundamentally transform it.