Dakota Beacon

April 30, 2025, marked the first 100 days of Donald J. Trump’s second term as US President. Observing a president’s first 100 days in office began with President Franklin D. Roosevelt symbolically signifying a measure of a president’s early success.

Trump produced 143 executive orders, 42 proclamations, 42 memorandums, and pieces of legislation to be acted on by Congress. Many of these actions encompassed campaign promises made over the years by long-term politicians. But these politicians never delivered on their promises. Trump, however, delivered in 100 days with executive actions what congressmen and senators never fulfilled.

Keep in mind he was able to do so much in so little time because he already had his cabinet selected before Inauguration Day. He had selected bright, loyal, and capable people who began working for him the moment they were chosen after his election and at his own expense, not the government’s.

So many actions came from the Trump White House in the first 100 days of his second term it would take several books to tell the whole story. Since those books have not yet been written (obviously), I reviewed my own copy of what has already become Trump’s hallmark – “The Art of the Deal” (1987). The book shows how the man thinks, how he behaves, and the keys to his multibillion-dollar success. Taking risks, sometimes losing, then fighting back, and winning again are all part of the art of the deal. With over a million copies sold, his continued success never required him to rewrite or update the book.

A few takeaways are pertinent. As he said, he takes risks, but they are well thought out and calculated. He goes for the jugular on his deals but is also extremely charitable. Excitement builds watching him create the next deal – and the next, and the next.

For those who refuse to read his book out of contempt for the man, one is left with only derogatory comments, rank and despicable, from legacy media sources who despise Trump and deceitfully believe he is unhinged and dangerous.

While serving as President, Trump uses the same tactics today that he explains in his book. The tactics are a means to an end and not an end in themselves. As an example, there are those on both sides of the political aisle who argue that Trump will ruin the economy. But consider the source. As Trump observes, "...politicians don't care too much what things cost. It's not their money." Who is ruining the economy?

The book views politicians from a 1987 perspective and not in the way people today think about “the swamp.” At one time some politicians may have been regarded for their progress and accomplishments. Not today. For nonperformers and those who stood in the way of his goals, Trump addresses them by name in his book. Those who believe Trump to be abrasive, will find that someone usually attacked him first. Chapters include several examples. To quote Trump, "I don't go out of my way to be cordial to enemies."

Re-reading his book creates a fresh understanding of the motivation behind our 47^th President, the essence of a second term for Trump. I am more confident than ever in his ability to do what he promised for America. May he be able to bring his business acumen and an innovative vision to our severely overweight government and clean out the useless dead weight in our republic!

The legacy media likes to criticize Trump painting him as a complete fool. Think for yourself. A man turning a small million-dollar loan from his father into a $10 billion-dollar global corporation does not much resemble a foolish idiot.

I wanted to re-visit the book because I wanted to peek inside Trump's head. In this case, his “head” at the time he wrote this book was the “Trump of 1987.” He was 41 years old at that time. Since then, 38 years have passed, and he has honed his skills. Among other things, Trump is known for his speed and decisiveness. He is not a shallow man, and he deserves respect.

Each of us negotiates every day, in one way or another. “I’ll pick up the kids from school if you’ll pick up some groceries.” “Okay, we’ll go to the beach this time if we go to the mountains next time.” Everyone benefits from learning a bit about negotiating, especially from an expert. Trump has written a fascinating insight into the life and success of a multi-billionaire. He gives every sign that he will use skill and ability – “The Art of the Deal” -- to go down in history as an extraordinary President.

Dennis M. Patrick can be contacted at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)