A new book, "Regime Change: Inside The Imperial Presidency Of Donald Trump," by journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, offers a glimpse into behind-the-scenes moments of Donald Trump's presidency. The book, based on over 1,000 interviews, reportedly details Trump's self-perception and the administration's handling of sensitive issues.
One notable account describes a meeting in the White House Situation Room to discuss the release of Justice Department files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The administration grappled with accusations that Trump had a "nipple fetish," stemming from claims made by an Epstein accuser. The files reportedly included emails from Sarah Ransome alleging a young woman named Jen had sex with Trump and described his alleged fetish. Trump has denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
During the Situation Room discussion, Vice President JD Vance reportedly deemed it acceptable to release the files, suggesting Trump had been accused of worse. However, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles argued that Trump would not be comfortable with the release. The authors describe the meeting as a "surreal" experience for officials involved.
Trump's View of His Power
The book also chronicles an encounter where Trump, after initially refusing to speak with the authors, claimed to be more powerful than historical figures like Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Stalin, Mao, and Hitler. He reportedly cited their lack of modern travel capabilities as a limiting factor in their power. Trump allegedly referenced a "Top Ten" list compiled by a "presidential historian," which concluded that William the Conqueror was merely a "sparrow" compared to Trump.
According to the book, the list's creator was not an academic but the former golf caddy of champion Gary Player. The authors note Trump's apparent pleasure in mentioning leaders known for their brutality, such as Mao, Hitler, and Stalin.
Personal Habits and White House Decor
"Regime Change" also touches upon Trump's well-known affinity for gold and gilded decor, detailing instances where he personally attempted to fix gold ornaments around the Oval Office fireplace with superglue. His aides reportedly had mixed reactions to his decorative choices, with Trump explaining that "people look at it, all they see is cash."
The book further describes Trump's private quarters, including his separate bedroom from First Lady Melania Trump. He is said to have invested heavily in his own room, reportedly looting items from the First Lady's bedroom when she was away. His bedroom setup includes multiple televisions and wall-to-wall carpeting in the bathroom, which staff had to manage to prevent mold. Despite reported germaphobia, Trump was also described as messy, leaving behind wrappers and ice cream cartons, and occasionally discarding White House sterling silver utensils with his trash.
Interactions with World Leaders
An account of Trump's meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in February 2025 is presented as a low point by critics, though Trump reportedly viewed it as "better TV than The Apprentice." The book suggests that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent advised against the meeting, referring to Zelensky as "tricky" and a "special-needs child for the Europeans."
In discussions about Ukraine, Trump allegedly stated, "I am not a big fan of Ukraine. Except their women. They keep winning Miss Universe," reportedly making a comment to aide Dan Scavino that left Secretary of State Marco Rubio stunned.
Conversely, the book notes a less critical approach towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. Steve Witkoff, Trump's chief negotiator on Ukraine, reportedly had Putin sign a doodled-on piece of paper during negotiations, which Witkoff later framed.
The book also details a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House Situation Room approximately four months prior to the book's reporting. Netanyahu reportedly persuaded Trump to join in an "ill-fated attack on Iran," assuring him that victory was "near certain." Despite advisors like the CIA director and Secretary of State Rubio expressing concerns and calling the plans "farcical" and "bulls**t," Trump allegedly agreed, with only Vice President Vance reportedly opposing the decision to go to war with Iran.
Employee Relations and Politics
Trump is described as a host who could be "solicitous and flattering," offering guests Diet Cokes and complimenting their appearance. He also reportedly peppered foreign visitors with questions about dangerous animals in their home countries. However, the book also highlights his tendency to humiliate individuals, both in private and public.
Silicon Valley billionaires who had previously criticized Trump were noted for attending his inauguration. Trump reportedly mocked these figures for "kissing my ass" after his 2024 election victory. He allegedly showed friends a letter from Mark Zuckerberg's daughter and a "smiling selfie" from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez.
Elon Musk is quoted as describing the tech rivals' actions as "first-class grovelling."
Another aide, Natalie Harp, is described as a "portable fan club," tasked with reading supportive media reports and social media comments to Trump, and writing him "adoring letters."
Motivation for Running for President
The authors suggest that a primary reason for Trump's 2024 presidential run was to avoid facing myriad legal charges and potential convictions. The book recounts an incident during Trump's 2024 hush-money trial, where he allegedly asked an aide if a man who set himself on fire across the street did it "for me?" and suggested telling people that he did.
"Regime Change" is set to explore whether Trump is indeed the most powerful leader in history, as he appears to believe, or a "feckless clown."