I began a series of posts titled ‘Writing History’ not long after the US election in November 2024 – even a few before the election – that brought Donald Trump back into power. I’ve also written posts that helped me – and hopefully others – to understand the dangers facing the US and the world.
With the shock of Trump’s first major action of 2026 – the capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife – I think it might be appropriate to look back with a quick summary of those posts.
Several posts look at how Donald Trump and his regime – I find it difficult to call it an administration – are enacting the Project 2025 playbook. A few look at what historical fiction can tell us, others look at various non-fiction books on topics such as authoritarianism and understanding the evangelical movement.
Seeking Understanding provided a summary of an article by Ben Rhodes in the New York Times: I study guys like Donald Trump. There’s a reason they keep winning.
Sleeping Beside an Elephant which looks at Anne Applebaum’s book Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism. With all signs pointing to Donald Trump’s intent to remain in power and project his power – regardless of legality – onto the world stage, being one of America’s next door neighbours is problematic.
Historical Fiction and the Spectre of Donald Trump was written before he won the 2024 election. The post lists many well-known novels set in 1930s Germany and WWII with comments on their applicability to today. I suggest that such novels are even more applicable now that we’ve seen what damage occurred in 2025.
Seeking Understanding shares highlights from an article written by Ben Rhodes former deputy national security adviser under President Obama. The article is titled: I Study Guys Like Trump. There’s a Reason They Keep Winning.
Writing History is the first in a series I wrote to explore the actions of Donald Trump & Co and their connection to Project 2025. In addition to listing 10 shocking (to me) goals of Project 2025, this post looks at some of the people Trump selected for important roles and their connections to P2025.
Writing History – Weaponize the Department of Justice looks at other authoritarian regimes (both current and past) and their use of the justice department to undermine the opposition and punish those who stood up to these regimes. Since taking office, Trump has done the same thing.
In Writing History – A List of Frightening Objectives I compiled a list of Project 2025 objectives that I felt were of greatest concern, not just to the US but to the world at large. In subsequent posts, I looked at several of these objectives in more detail tracking them against actions Trump & Co had taken at that time. I should probably go back to this list now that we are in 2026.
All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days by Rebecca Donner looks at the life of Mildred Harnack who was a PhD student in Germany and experienced the rise of Hitler. The post also looks at parallels to Trump’s early actions and stated intentions. Many have scoffed at comparing Donald Trump to Hitler. Sadly, having experienced a year of chaos, change and unbelievable actions, this comparison is even more relevant.
Do You See Me Now reflected on a T-shirt I saw a man wearing in a Florida grocery store. [The one below says Can You Hear Us Now.] On the back was the American flag and the words ‘Do You See Me Now’. Why would someone wear such a message? In this same post, I itemized a few highlights from an article that tried to explain MAGA sentiments and why they had voted for Trump.
Written in March 2025, Hang In There outlined a few glimmers of hope that the US and the rest of the world could weather the Trump storm (dare I say tornado?). Sadly, things have gotten worse, much worse.
Writing History – Tracking Trump’s Actions #2 looked at actions taken up to March 23 to deport 11 million immigrants – a key objective of Project 2025. We know now that these actions have continued with devastating consequences.
Writing History – Tracking Trump’s Actions #3 looked at another Project 2025 objective: declaring the president above the law and weaponizing the justice department.
Writing History – Tracking Trump’s Actions #4 looked at the Project 2025 objectives of restricting freedom of the press and undermining elections. Again, more actions have taken place since time of writing.
Writing History – a Look at Corporate America linked the inaction of large corporations (their unwillingness to speak out) to various objectives of Project 2025 such as deregulation, reduce the corporate tax rate, limit the rights of workers.
Writing History – Revenge is Sweet looks at how Trump has taken revenge against his perceived enemies or against those who criticize him.
Writing History – Let’s Talk about Women is a view of the actions Trump has taken against women. Access to abortion is an obvious one but there are several others. Project 2025 sees women’s roles as being in the home, raising children while being supportive of their husbands.
Writing History – The Changing World Order summarizes some key points from Ray Dalio’s book. Dalio writes about the key determinants of change in world leadership and demonstrates that America is on the brink of ceding leadership to China.
Let’s Take Another Look at Project 2025 – in September I did an update to show further actions taken by Trump & Co that are aligned with the primary objectives of Project 2025.
Writing History – Symbols Matter – in October, after Trump tore down the east wing of the White House, I itemized many of the major donors to the new ballroom Trump wants to build and linked them to benefits they have already received or expect to receive from the administration. Yes, it’s all about the money.
The Kingdom, The Power and The Glory – a look at Tim Alberta’s book that examines how MAGA has taken over the evangelical church.
20 posts. I suppose you might say that I’m obsessed!
I know that this blog is supposed to be about historical fiction. And yet, I feel compelled to continue interpreting what’s going on and share my thoughts with others. Many thanks for your support. I’ll be back with a few more.
FOR MORE ON READING & WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION – AND THE OCCASIONAL POLITICAL POST – FOLLOW A WRITER OF HISTORY. There’s a SUBSCRIBE function on the right hand side of the page.
M.K. Tod writes historical fiction. Her latest novel THAT WAS THEN is a contemporary thriller. Mary’s other novels, THE ADMIRAL’S WIFE, PARIS IN RUINS, TIME AND REGRET, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. She can be contacted on Facebook or on her website www.mktod.com.
