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Made in America

The dark history that led to Donald Trump

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Made in America

By: Edward Stourton
Narrated by: Edward Stourton
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Trump’s second term, even more than his first, is often called ‘unprecedented’. But history shows that Trump and his policies are as American as apple pie…

Much of what Donald Trump does seems maverick and even mad. His actions and policy pronouncements are a stark rupture from the American style of leadership that we have lived with all our lives. But whether we like them or not, his trade tariffs, his determination to deport tens of thousands of people, and his apparent contempt for the rule of law are deeply rooted in American history.

Since Donald Trump took office plenty of people – on both sides of the Atlantic – have argued that he will destroy his country’s democracy. Made in America shows how the ideal of liberty has been tested in past generations, from the first intolerant Pilgrims to the brutal invasion of Mexico, revealing the dark side of the American Dream in order to offer urgent lessons to our turbulent present.

© Edward Stourton 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

 Political Science Politics & Government United States World American History Taxation Law

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Critic reviews

A well argued and elegant answer to the question, 'how did America get to this place?' The connection between Donald Trump and American history is too little explored and too little understood: Ed Stourton places him in context and does so with wit and fine judgement... The ideal antidote to the coarseness of the times. (Justin Webb, presenter of Radio 4 Today and Americast, author of The Gift of a Radio)
Pithy, entertaining and informative . . . Stourton makes a persuasive case that Trump is a logical outcome of American history (Charlie English)
'Useful . . . Even if you know much of the history Stourton relates, you may be shocked to have it all set out for you so efficiently.' (Erica Wagner)
All stars
Most relevant
A fascinating look at the United States and how little it has changed over 200 years. Trump may seem like an aberration but compared to Andrew Jackson who is held in such esteem by Americans he’s a puppy

Enlightenment

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