Donald Trump and controversies go hand-in-hand, in the latest list of controversies reporter Alex Isenstadt's new book has revealed many bombshells about the president-elect—whose net worth has grown exceptionally in 2024. In his latest book, Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power, Politico's national political reporter Alex Isenstadt uncovers gripping details about Donald Trump’s 2024 political manoeuvres.
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Based on over 300 interviews and internal documents, the book sheds light on alleged breaches in journalism ethics and startling decisions from Trump’s inner circle. From prearranged town hall questions to unusual vice-presidential shortlist contenders, Isenstadt delivers a deep dive into the chaotic, behind-the-scenes machinations of Trump’s latest political chapter.
JD Vance was not Trump’s first running-mate choice
While JD Vance ultimately became Donald Trump’s vice-presidential pick, Isenstadt’s book reveals he wasn’t the initial favourite. Instead, Trump was ‘dead serious’ about Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo for the role, reports HuffPost.
Bartiromo, a long-time Trump loyalist known for her supportive interviews, was reportedly on Trump’s radar as late as mid-2024.Her ability to connect with Wall Street donors and her television experience were seen as key strengths by Trump.
However, the idea faced resistance from his team. According to Isenstadt, chief of staff Susie Wiles and other advisors quickly dismissed the notion, citing a lack of time for proper vetting. The team had already spent months vetting other candidates, and Bartiromo’s late inclusion complicated the process. Eventually, Trump was persuaded to settle on Vance, a staunch supporter of the America First agenda.
Leaked Fox News questions for Iowa town hall
Another bombshell from Revenge involves allegations that Trump’s team received questions in advance for a Fox News town hall, reports CNN. According to the book, just minutes before the January 2024 event moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, a senior Trump aide received text messages containing the exact wording of questions and follow-ups.
The Guardian’s report reveals topics included Trump’s business dealings, indictments, and plans for political retribution if re-elected were disclosed to his team before the interview. Isenstadt wrote:
About thirty minutes before the town hall was due to start, a senior aide started getting text messages from a person on the inside at Fox. Holy s–t, the team thought. They were images of all the questions Trump would be asked and the planned follow-ups, down to the exact wording. Jackpot.
The leak allowed Trump’s team to prepare responses on the spot, turning a potentially high-pressure event into a more controlled environment.
Reportedly, Fox News has since launched an internal investigation into the alleged breach, though the network claims it has found no evidence of wrongdoing. A spokesperson emphasized that the leak did not originate from Baier, MacCallum, or senior editorial staff. They said:
We take these matters very seriously and plan to investigate should there prove to be a breach within the network.
Trump has not publicly responded to allegations but his communications director, Steven Cheung, said:
President Trump was the most accessible and transparent candidate in American history.
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Sources used:
HuffPost: Donald Trump Wanted This Fox News Host As Running Mate, Says New Book
CNN: Trump camp was fed questions for Fox News town hall in advance from person inside network, new book says
The Guardian: Fox News investigates claims insider leaked Trump questions for town hall
