Trump: The Art of the Deal

In Chapter 1 of The Art of the Deal, Donald Trump describes his approach to business and life, emphasizing that he does not work for money but for the thrill of making deals. He compares deal-making to an “art form” (1), stating that he enjoys the challenge of putting together large, complex transactions. He prefers to work in an unstructured manner, keeping his schedule flexible and staying open to new opportunities. His typical workday is filled with phone calls and meetings, often totaling over 100 calls per day. He starts his mornings by reading newspapers, arrives at the office by 9 o’clock, and works until late at night, frequently making calls from home. He thrives on the fast-paced nature of his business dealings and enjoys the unpredictability of each day.

Trump recounts various business deals over the course of a few days, illustrating his dynamic schedule. He is involved in is acquiring shares in Holiday Inn, considering either taking over the company or selling his shares at a profit. He speaks with investment banker Alan Greenberg about his growing stake in the company and the strategic options available. Throughout his day, Trump handles a range of matters, from advising real estate developer Abraham Hirschfeld on political decisions to working with radio host Don Imus to raise money for Annabel Hill, an “adorable” (4) woman struggling to save her farm from foreclosure.