Alex Isenstadt’s
Revenge
takes readers inside one of the most dramatic moments in modern American politics—the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. With gripping details and insider accounts, the book sheds light on the chaos, fears, and political calculations that unfolded in the aftermath of the shooting. Here are ten key takeaways from the book.
1. Trump’s reaction to the shooting was purely political
Despite the severity of the attack, Trump’s mind quickly turned to politics. As he sat in the hospital, he reportedly remarked, “This is going to make some news.” He even requested a copy of his CT scan, hoping to prove his cognitive sharpness compared to Joe Biden. Rather than retreating into fear, Trump saw the shooting as a moment that could shape his legacy and solidify his image as a fighter.
2. Security lapses had been a growing concern
Revenge
highlights a long-standing issue within Trump’s security team. Secret Service agents and campaign staff had repeatedly worried about vulnerabilities, from lax security at Mar-a-Lago to a dangerously exposed courthouse elevator ride. Despite these concerns, key requests for additional protection were denied, and Trump’s own love for chaotic, up-close campaign events made safeguarding him even harder.
3. Trump’s close relationship with his security detail
Trump had a strong bond with certain Secret Service agents, particularly Sean Curran, who led his detail. He often invited them to watch combat sports with him on Trump Force One and made sure they were well-fed. This relationship played a role in the quick response of his security team during the shooting, as they had become accustomed to Trump’s unpredictable behavior and need for protection.
4. Trump’s rally in Butler was considered routine—until it wasn’t
Initially, the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, wasn’t expected to be a major event. The campaign had already told reporters that no big announcements—such as Trump’s VP pick—would be made. But what was meant to be another standard MAGA rally turned into one of the most defining moments of Trump’s 2024 campaign.
5. The shooter was identified quickly, but motives remained unclear
The book reveals that the shooter, Thomas Matthews Crooks, was identified soon after the attack. However, at the time of the book’s writing, the full extent of his motives had not been made clear. The attack reignited fears about both domestic political violence and foreign threats against Trump, given his long list of enemies, including Iran.
6. Trump’s “Iconic” view of the
One of the most striking moments in the book is when Trump sees the now-famous photograph of himself raising his fist, bloodied but defiant, with the American flag in the background. His reaction? “That’s the most American picture I’ve ever seen.” To Trump, the image symbolized everything he had built his brand around—resilience, patriotism, and defiance.
7. Trump’s tendency to ignore security protocols
Trump’s insistence on immersing himself in chaotic environments—whether at a frat house full of guns in Iowa or a packed football stadium—frustrated his security team. He frequently overruled his detail, choosing to wade into crowds rather than take protected routes. His desire to remain accessible to supporters put him in situations where danger was always lurking.
8. The shooting played directly into Trump’s narrative
For years, Trump had framed himself as the ultimate political fighter, battling against the so-called “Deep State,” corrupt elites, and foreign enemies. The shooting solidified that narrative. His fist-raising moment and his quick return to the campaign trail cemented his image as a man under siege, further rallying his base.
9. The campaign had been bracing for an attack
While no one could have predicted the exact moment, Trump’s team had long believed an assassination attempt was likely. The book notes that top campaign strategist Chris LaCivita always assumed someone would try to kill Trump, though he didn’t discuss it openly. The sense of looming danger had been present throughout the campaign.
10. Trump’s confidence in his own survival
Despite the terrifying attack, Trump never seemed shaken. He quipped about keeping his bloody clothes for a museum and focused on the political implications rather than the personal trauma. His ability to immediately spin the event into a moment of triumph speaks to both his unique political instincts and his unwavering self-belief.
Final thoughts
Revenge
offers an inside look at a moment that could have changed American history. Through firsthand accounts and behind-the-scenes revelations, Isenstadt paints a picture of a campaign—and a candidate—shaped by crisis, defiance, and an ever-growing sense of invincibility. Whether one views Trump as a hero or a showman, there’s no denying that the assassination attempt only reinforced his most enduring image: a man who refuses to go down without a fight.
