In her upcoming memoir, "The Art of Power: My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House," Nancy Pelosi recounts unsettling late-night phone calls with former President Donald Trump, providing a detailed account of their interactions that raises questions about his mental fitness for office. The memoir, set for release on August 6 by Simon & Schuster, offers a candid look into Pelosi’s concerns about Trump’s behavior during his presidency.
Pelosi, now 84, recalls a particular conversation in which Trump, now 78, called her around midnight to discuss political matters. Trump notably blamed former President Barack Obama for missile strikes he had ordered on Syria. Pelosi’s response was a straightforward suggestion for Trump to rest. This anecdote is among several that depict a president she describes as "imbalanced" and "unhinged."
The memoir details Pelosi’s apprehensions about Trump’s capability to serve as commander-in-chief, reflecting on various incidents where she found his behavior challenging to comprehend. She recounts an encounter at a memorial service for a renowned psychiatrist in 2019, where mental health professionals expressed their deep concerns about Trump’s mental and psychological health, indicating a perceived decline.
Pelosi’s narrative is not merely reflective but also critical. She highlights instances such as Trump’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, his conduct during meetings, and his actions surrounding the January 6 Capitol insurrection. These episodes, she argues, underscored his dangerous unpredictability and detachment from reality.
In her memoir, Pelosi points to January 6, 2021, as a pivotal moment that exemplified Trump’s dangerous influence. As insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, Pelosi remained composed, a calmness she attributes to her prior awareness of Trump’s dangerous potential. She details his numerous actions that, in her view, displayed a blatant disregard for the law and profound instability, including his repeated claims of being the greatest president of all time.
The memoir also delves into Pelosi’s reflections on Trump’s presidency. She writes about her realization that she held more respect for the president's office than Trump himself, viewing him as an imposter who was somehow aware of his inadequacy for the role. Her accounts paint a picture of a leader whose actions, according to Pelosi, warranted intervention from his family and staff. This intervention never came, leading to significant consequences for the nation.
Pelosi’s revelations are set against the backdrop of a political landscape still grappling with the aftermath of Trump’s presidency and his continued influence as a leading figure in the Republican Party. Her memoir serves as a historical account and a cautionary tale about the importance of stable and competent leadership.
"The Art of Power" promises to offer readers an insider’s perspective on one of the most tumultuous periods in recent American political history through the eyes of a woman who navigated it from one of the highest seats of power in the country. As the release date approaches, the book is poised to spark further discussion and analysis of Trump’s legacy and Pelosi’s role during his administration.