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Blowback A Warning to Save Democracy from the Next Trump

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Donald Trump will be president again, whether he is on the ballot or not. That is because Trumpism is overtaking the Republican Party and will mount a vigorous comeback, potentially in the hands of a savvier successor—The Next Trump.

This prophecy will come true, according to Miles Taylor, if we do not learn the lessons of the recent past.

With the 2024 election approaching, the formerly “Anonymous” official is back with bombshell revelations and a sobering national forecast. Through interviews with dozens of ex-Trump aides and government leaders, Taylor predicts what could happen inside “Trump 2.0,” the White House of a more competent and more formidable copycat.

What sounds like a political thriller—from shadowy presidential powers and CIA betrayals to angry henchmen and assassination plots—is instead America’s political reality, as Taylor uses untold stories to shed light on the ex-President’s unfulfilled plans, the dark forces haunting our civic lives, and how we can thwart the rise of extremism in the United States.

Blowback is also a surprisingly emotional and self-critical portrait of a dissenter, whose own unmasking provides a vivid warning about what happens when we hide the truth from others and, most importantly, ourselves.

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2023

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Miles Taylor

2 books8 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
Profile Image for "Avonna.
1,446 reviews585 followers
August 4, 2023
Anxiety inducing deep dive into MAGA long-term plans whether Trump is re-elected again ot not. Important read if you care about the threats to our democracy.

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Paul Weiss.
1,458 reviews526 followers
July 22, 2025
“Among us friends, let’s be honest,” Kelly said.”

“About a third of the things the president wants us to do are flat-out stupid. Anther third would be impossible to implement and wouldn’t even solve the problem. And a third of them would be flat-out illegal.”


To characterize Miles Taylor’s seminal book with a single adjective would be impossible but where to start?

BLOWBACK is at once a history, a troubled autobiography, and a warning to the American people that what they were facing – nay, courting – with a possible second Trump presidency constituted the construction of a theocratic, oligarchic, and definitely dictatorial neo-Nazi Fourth Reich; the shredding of their Constitution; the removal of human rights and the rule of law; the elimination of democracy; the racist, xenophobic deportation and possible imprisonment of thousands of non-white immigrants; potential nuclear war on multiple fronts; and, in all probability, the destruction of their country as a modern first world republic.

Oh yeah, those adjectives? Troubling, unnerving, disgusting, terrifying, breathtaking, jaw-dropping, heartbreaking, stomach-churning, and (it was to be hoped at the time of its publication) an eye-opening, solid, convincing signpost to American society and its culture to move away from Trump, future Trump clones, and self-destructive hard right-wing MAGA conduct. That author Miles Taylor was a senior Trump appointee high in the administration of the Department of Homeland Security made BLOWBACK even more frightening!

On war, for example:

“The president had mused to advisors like John Kelly that he badly wanted to strike North Korea with a nuclear weapon. He wasn’t coyly playing the role of “madman” in order to call North Korea’s bluff. He was actually prepared to take America into a deadly apocalyptic conflict, history’s first two-sided nuclear war.”

And on the cause of the rise of MAGA populism:

“… we must open our eyes. A victim mentality has overcome voters since the Trump presidency, with Americans lamenting the brokenness of our politics, as if the unwelcome situation were a faultless mishap. We must be candid with ourselves. This isn’t happening to us; this is happening because of us.”

And on “the many plausible ways the Next Trump might dismantle the guardrails of [US] democracy.”

“He or she will almost certainly do much of the damage piecemeal, a form of low-level democratic vandalism. Other possibilities (such as turning the American military against the citizenry) would catalyze a more drastic civic implosion.”


Sadly, current events and Trump’s re-election to a second term has only convinced me that the USA seems destined to inevitable self-destruction and seems unable to absorb the lessons from past right-wing dictatorships or its own recent history.

Notwithstanding the inevitability that readers will not enjoy so much as a single page, BLOWBACK is an instructive must read for those who would hope to offer their country a chance to be saved and an opportunity to re-write their culture with an entirely new social paradigm. Definitely a 5-star masterpiece!

Paul Weiss
Profile Image for Valerie.
927 reviews438 followers
July 25, 2023
I'm really happy I got the audiobook. I enjoyed listening to the author read this. He was there in the scenes he described and his voice made them come alive.

I am a former Republican who never voted or liked Donald Trump. But I was stunned by how much damage the man did to our country. This book is quite the eye opener.

It's also written in an interesting way with stories and personal information about the author that makes it a riveting read.

well worth your time and I highly recommend it to Americans who love their country and want to hold on to our Democracy.
Profile Image for Zaki.
108 reviews
July 23, 2023
important book, but enough warnings about Trump. We know he's guilty, we know he leads a MAGA Cult, it's imperative to put him in prison as soon as possible. He's going to get indicted again, and he cannot be trusted. Who knows, maybe he gave those Classified documents to someone else, and someone around the country could have access to those Nuclear Documents. It's too dangerous, put Trump in prison immediately. Thanks.
Profile Image for Philip.
1,753 reviews112 followers
June 16, 2024
"Donald Trump will be president again, whether he is on the ballot or not."

Make no mistake about it: we are so much worse off than we thought. Possibly. Probably. Because as Miles Taylor - the original "Anonymous" who wrote the scathing 2018 NYT editorial "I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration," which was later expanded into the 2019 bestseller A Warning - describes with frightening certainty in his latest book, whether or not Donald Trump ever wins another election (hopefully unlikely) or ends up in prison (disappointingly unlikely), his movement and followers are not going away anytime soon; and indeed, the NEXT "Trump" will probably be even MORE dangerous, as he or she is likely be more savvy, less of a buffoon and have a higher IQ…UNLESS we make some major changes to our electoral systems, or (most unlikely of all) as a country finally and collectively grow a backbone and a conscience.

More memoir than his previous book,* Blowback details the deeply conservative Republican's struggles as he joins, attempts to rein in, and finally abandons and turns against the Trump White House, while also further documenting the excesses and insanity of our former Madman-in-Chief - and it is one dark and sordid tale. Taylor tries his best to identity any potential bright side (there aren't many), listing steps that can be taken to turn our government into one that is truly representative of the majority of the American people - things like "nonpartisan redistricting" and "ranked choice voting;" both of which would be excellent and long-overdue improvements, but are in reality (or at least the current political environment) about as likely to happen as Congress overhauling the electoral college or giving Washington DC a seat in the Senate or making Puerto Rico a state.

I have long admired Taylor (and a very few others, such as Adam Kinzinger) for his courage in taking the difficult and dangerous path in opposing the increasingly Fascist MAGA movement, and continue to appreciate (one cannot say "enjoy" in regard to anything related to Trump World) him as a commentator on CNN.

This is a dismal book; but as much as I am just sick of reading about the current state of American politics, I would have to say it is an essential one - and should be read by as many Americans as possible between now and November.

* At least I'm assuming A Warning was his previous book, although GR also credits him with a slew of unrelated books on British history - things like Southampton: Gateway to the British Empire and Men Versus the State: Herbert Spencer and Late Victorian Individualism - which I have to believe are by a different Miles Taylor…
1 review1 follower
July 31, 2023
A tale of political madness.

Miles takes us down that Trump rabbit hole where we hear directly from the Mad Hatter (Trump) . He takes a direct and unflinching look at what the next Trump would do to our precious America. Many will be stunned at some of the backroom ideas that Trump floated to his staff. An inside view of an sociopath and his destructive plans for our democracy. I will be giving this book a second reading .
Be prepared to be shocked !
Profile Image for Andrew Pratley.
433 reviews9 followers
August 1, 2023
I whisked through this book in a few days largely because it is so very readable. If you follow American Politics, as I do, & are not an American you will probably be like me be wondering what is going on, as the seeming insanity of the Trump era relentlessly continues. I often ask myself the question that it will come an end, won't it? What the resultant end will look like is not clear. In this book Miles Taylor sketches out what a second Trump administration could look like. It is not pretty. It won't be a chaotic mess that is for sure since MAGA Republicans will be better prepared & better organized next time. The man at the center (Donald Trump) won't change. He will still be a deranged nut job but the people around will instead of holding him back, will be seeking to egg him ever onward. For a Brit who is rather attached to NATO & would rather not see Russia prevail in Ukraine this is not a happy prospect. Trump might pacify Russia but he could still cause World War Three another way by lashing out at China. This book is an engaging & enlightening one written by someone who has been scorched by the lunacy that is American Politics as it is practiced today.
Profile Image for Susan.
876 reviews6 followers
November 3, 2023
I've followed Miles Taylor since I learned that he was the anonymous whistle blower that spoke out first during the Trump administration. This book was excellent ... it is his story of being involved in the administration and his thinking and actions both before and after his resignation from his position as Chief of Staff at Homeland Security. He makes it clear that most Republicans who continue to serve and prop up tRump as their now candidate are basically moral cowards. How can we as Americans tolerate moral cowards to represent and make policy for us? I used to call myself an independent, but I'm not sure I can vote for anyone who has not repudiated tRump and MAGA. It is an infection in our populace, and it will spread if not voted out. Miles clearly states in each chapter a prediction for what he thinks would happen if tRump (or someone MAGA) would be elected again as president. It is a frightening picture of the USA headed toward a fascist dictator.
Profile Image for Dale.
213 reviews
July 28, 2023
Riveting, and should scare every person to wake up and ditch the current Republican candidates who support the crazy MAGA authoritarian ideology.
1 review
July 26, 2023
One of the most terrifying books I have read. If the Republicans win the next election that is the end of our democracy.
Profile Image for AC.
2,168 reviews
July 19, 2023
Not too much in here that is new for news hounds like myself. But useful for those who are less obsessed, but still disturbed about current events in this country.
Profile Image for Amanda.
310 reviews9 followers
August 18, 2023
4.5 stars. Spot-on and terrifyingly accurate.
Profile Image for Matt Hurt.
141 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2023
This is a must-read for people who somehow still find themselves willfully defending Trump and Trumpism. The urgency and firsthand account aspect of Miles Taylor's writing makes Blowback one of the best and most frightening books about the Trump presidency that I've read. 

Highly recommend it. 
Profile Image for Fiona.
1,216 reviews13 followers
December 1, 2024
Very readable and clear-headed. Taylor chronicles his experiences during the 1st Trump presidential term and his predictions for what will happen with “the next Trump”. Some of his insights, such as Pam Bondi being named attorney-general, are worryingly prescient; the majority of his predictions are logical but it’s too early to determine their accuracy.
Profile Image for Pete.
131 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2023
The Trump presidency was four years of horror. The knife edge Biden election was terrifying and then relieving. Now we are looking at a fight between a criminal and a geriatric for the most powerful office in the world. You can't make it up. Please America, get your shlt together. Do what Taylor says.
Profile Image for Michael Riess.
118 reviews3 followers
August 27, 2023
Review:

‘Blowback: A Warning' is a riveting, and terrifying account of the US administration in the Trump years by the author: Miles Taylor---previously known as: ‘Anonymous'.

This is an unprecedented behind-the-scenes portrait of the Trump presidency by Taylor, a White House senior official at that time, whose first words of warning as ‘Anonymous’ in a NY Times Sept 5th 2018 op-ed piece, entitled: 'I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration’ rocked Washington.

I have read several books on the subject, authored by the likes of: Michael Wolff, James Comey, Bob Woodward, and Michael Cohen, as well Miles Taylors’ previous book, ‘Alone’ written under his pseudonym: Anonymous, published in 2019.

However, this is a 'firsthand' narration by someone who worked in the White House in very close proximity to Trump & Co, and who is a self- described Republican/conservative.

As well as looking back, more importantly, the book ‘looks forward’ anticipating the perils of another Trump term as president and emphasizes that it doesn’t have to be Trump himself, it could be a ‘Trump-like’ individual.

For those who are really concerned, and I don’t just mean US citizens, I include the rest of the international community; especially those of us who live in countries that are traditional allies/friends, this book illustrates the absolute 'dysfunction' on so many levels of the Trump presidential years, & the dire possibility of a repeat.

It is extremely well written, and at some points; ‘entertaining' in a macabre sense. All I can say is that after reading this 'page-turning' account, it confirms my worst fears for our collective future should Trump or as the author points out, a Trumpian-like figure be elected President in 2024.

The fact is, a movement or cult like entity with violence as a major component is now in place, reminiscent of Germany & Italy in the 1930’s.

2024 could see alarming historical parallels with intimidation tactics used by MAGA operative’s (self-styled patriotic militias) used against election poll workers, voters and political candidates running in elections in 2024 & in the years to come---up and down the ballot.

As the author points out, the ‘Trumpian Movement’ is potent both at the grass-roots level right thorough local government both state & municipal to the United States Congress, and may well make inroads across all levels of the judicial system.

*No one is immune to this insidious threat.

If it can happen in the U.S.A., and we have seen the evidence; think: the Ottawa Occupation & Canadian Border Blockades of 2022, it can happen where ‘you’ live, in whatever so-called western liberal democracy---the era of complacency, if there ever was one… is over. ⚠️

-MR.
Profile Image for Mike Giess.
111 reviews
July 29, 2023
A chilling and absolutely terrifying look inside the Trump administration and an all to plausible projection of what a second term could bring to America and the world. It’s not a book to read before going to bed if you’re looking for a good night’s sleep.
22 reviews
August 16, 2023
Taylor is clear eyed. we should heed his warning.

Miles Taylor turns his own experience into warnings for the future. His White House experience was even worse than we thought. We should listen to him.
Profile Image for Dawn.
58 reviews
August 21, 2023
This book was just ok for me. Not the explosive "terrifying" book everyone is touting it as. If you are someone who reads a lot of recent political books, watches a lot of news, and listens to political podcasts, this does not really have anything very new or that hasn't been figured out already. I'm actually kind of annoyed that I had to listen AGAIN to a blow by blow of the Trump administration, because like I said, I read a lot, and have gone through this now many times. I could have also done without the behind the scenes of Taylor's writing of A Warning, and his life. In my opinion, A Warning is a far superior book than Blowback that gets right to the point of how dangerous things are and can be in the future.
I'll edit my review because I forgot to mention in my original one, that one of the aspects of this book I really enjoyed was Taylor's insertion of the words of our American founding fathers. I am currently reading up on them so it was a pleasant surprise to link this book with my current research.
Profile Image for Skye Doerscher.
2 reviews
January 16, 2024
I think anyone who has any inkling of voting for Trump or someone who thinks even remotely like him should read this book. I can say I have NEVER read a political book and this was both an easy read and eye-opening. Engaging and full of information. I generally align with Democrat politics but try to be well-informed and vote accordingly. I was hesitant to read a book both of this nature and written by a Republican, but I appreciated his message as a warning not just to fellow Republicans but to all Americans. I listened to the audiobook version of this book and I enjoyed listening to the author read it, which made it much more personal. I'm not sure how the actual book differs, if there are citations or footnotes, as this book is an accounting of his own experiences and it can be difficult to distinguish that from actual events vs interpretation of them. But even IF there is personal bias, I believe that much of this book is true in nature and fact. Hopefully Trump will truly be convicted, however, I do fear that we are in for a world of upheaval and chaos given the MAGA agenda and rise across our country. I truly got anxiety from reading this book, but am glad I did because I do feel much more well-informed.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Glessner.
25 reviews
March 19, 2024
I wish this were required reading for anyone eligible to vote. This book provided a frightening, though not shocking to anyone who lived through it, look inside the Trump White House. Not only was the audiobook well written and captivating, but it is a guidebook to protecting our democracy from polarized political parties and their would-be authoritarian leaders. Highly recommend (esp. in an election year)!
242 reviews3 followers
August 17, 2023
Excellent! You can tell Miles Taylor put a ton of effort into writing this book. He provides a cadence of deep personal reflection, his perspective as a DHS (Dept of Homeland Security) leader in the White House during public (and non-public) events, and incredibly valuable reflections of what might happen if Trump (or a similar type of leader) re-enters 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in 2024. He provides this cadence while outlining how various branches of the federal government might position themselves next time 'round. In all, this is one of the best books that I have read about Washington D.C. over the last 6 years.
Profile Image for Rob Lund.
302 reviews23 followers
January 16, 2024
Stunning work of bravery in the tidal wave of Trumpism. Some of Taylor's first hand, deep accounts from inside the White House are simply stunning.

And his warnings are dire and frightening. I hope that he and other never-Trumpers can help save our Republic.
Profile Image for Gary Turner.
538 reviews6 followers
October 29, 2023
A must read for all that care about our democracy. I am still baffled why Republicans think they actually have something to save in their party. Please just bury the monster !!!!!!!
Profile Image for Deanna.
49 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2025
Just excellent. Why am I just reading this now? Now on to The Warning.
Thank you Miles Taylor!
Profile Image for Maddie Tremblay.
44 reviews
November 9, 2023
A truly terrifying first hand look-back a the rampant corruption amidst the Trump White House, and an unsettling prediction for the nation in the wake of trumpism. The analysis and projections for how another Maga presidency will affect the world is both depressing as hell and an important message for voters.
Profile Image for Marsha.
46 reviews
October 25, 2023
The author who wrote" A Warning: Anonymous" wrote "BLOWBACK" and what a 2nd Trump administration would look like. Terrifying.
Highly recommended.
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