Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

In America, the question of democracy and the role of the president has seldom been under more intense scrutiny. Kevin James Salveson joins the growing chorus of criticism as he sets out to explore the unconventional antics of President Donald Trump in Trumpocalypse Not: A Political Diatribe. The author laments what he refers to as the dumbing down of the American electorate. He asserts that fascism, bigotry, and authoritarianism prevail, with propaganda and political spin. Further division is sown through fake news and false accusations. The selective application of law and order threatens personal freedom and choice. The long list of issues examined includes censorship, social media wars, the right to bear arms, the environment, the growing fiscal deficit, social security, and healthcare. This is aggravated by a corrupt banking system, the notion of war for profit, and the resurgent fear of communism. There is also discrimination against minority groups, while women’s rights are overlooked. The writer bemoans the lack of tolerance among conservatives, who he maintains apply double standards based on their selective brand of Christianity. He questions whether patriotism is limited to those of conservative leanings. Trump's macho image, his liking for golf, his frequent vacationing, and his controversial statements all come in for ridicule.

Kevin James Salveson questioned authority from an early age and opposes bigotry. He maintains this stance throughout Trumpocalypse Not and is scathing in his critique of politically conservative citizens in general and the Trump administration in particular. He compares the performance of several past presidents, questioning whether they worked for the benefit of the poor, and pointing out that the middle class is relatively heavily taxed. This uneven burden fuels the ongoing debate about capitalism and the free-market system versus socialism, with America becoming a country club for the elite. The text concentrates on the lead-up to the first Trump presidency, which began in 2017 after an election campaign that was characterized by increasing voter polarization and recrimination. The Trump-bashing is repetitive at times, as the author cites a long list of his failures, reaching a crescendo toward the end, before a more conciliatory tone emerges. The writing style is confrontational, sarcastic, and crammed with irony. It is augmented by amusing chapter headings and an extensive list of references. The author cautions that this is not a book for those aligned with the political right, a warning that potential readers should heed.