Speaking for Myself Summary

“What I do every day is only possible because of my faith, family, and friends. These are my foundations, and they allow me to stand strong in a hostile world.”

1. Witnessing Key Decisions on the Frontlines

Sarah Sanders found herself at the center of decision-making within the Trump administration. Her role as press secretary transcended the typical media spokesperson. She was directly involved in significant moments that defined the administration’s policies, such as military actions and foreign trips.

One defining moment occurred on Christmas Eve, 2018, when Sanders joined President Trump on a surprise trip to Iraq to visit troops on the ground. This trip wasn’t merely a morale boost—it had strategic importance, as Trump authorized further military actions against ISIS. By March 2019, these actions led to the group’s defeat in Iraq, fulfilling one of Trump’s promises.

Being in the midst of such decisions gave Sanders unparalleled insight into Trump’s leadership style. She observed his priority on keeping campaign promises, like withdrawing troops after ISIS’s defeat, and saw how his bold and sometimes controversial decisions unfolded in real time.

Examples

• The late-night call for Sanders to join Trump on a secret visit to U.S. troops in Iraq.
• Direct participation in crafting statements on ISIS’s final push.
• Observing firsthand Trump’s interactions with soldiers during the visit.

2. A Decade of Preparation in Politics

Sanders’s journey to the White House was the result of a decade of political involvement. She began her career working for Republican campaigns, drawing lessons from her father, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. Her political roots gave her the tools to navigate Trump’s unconventional campaign.

Her father’s political career taught her resilience in the face of long odds. In 2007, as campaign manager for Huckabee, she transformed his status from an underdog to a serious Republican contender. Though he ultimately fell short, Sanders proved her ability to craft compelling political messages.

This experience, coupled with her values-driven belief in conservative politics, made joining Trump’s campaign a natural choice. She had witnessed political upsets and knew how to manage adversity—a skill she would need as Trump’s press secretary.

Examples

• Managing Mike Huckabee’s presidential campaign and securing endorsements like Chuck Norris’s.
• Shifting gears from Huckabee’s unsuccessful bid to joining Trump’s team mid-campaign.
• Seeing her father flip Arkansas—a longstanding Democratic state—to the Republican side during his governorship.

3. Managing Trump’s Relationship with the Media

As the go-between for Trump and the media, Sanders played a constant balancing act. Her mornings often began before dawn, preparing for the day’s press briefings and fielding questions from a media often hostile to the administration.

Trump’s preference for communicating directly through social media highlighted Sanders’s role as more than a mouthpiece. She was a translator of Trump’s vision, ensuring his policy decisions and messaging appeared coherent to the public. Her early access to Trump’s decision-making process allowed her to present his reasoning effectively at press briefings.

Yet, media scrutiny was relentless. An error in her briefings could derail the administration’s agenda. Given her proximity to Trump, she often found herself under the microscope, navigating difficult press interactions on a daily basis.

Examples

• Her crack-of-dawn preparations to stay ahead of Trump’s morning tweets.
• Explaining complex decisions while reflecting Trump’s communication style.
• Facing combative press briefings where every word was dissected.

4. Media as Performers, Not Just Reporters

Sanders experienced firsthand how some journalists in the White House press pool prioritized making headlines over reporting facts. The dynamic turned press briefings into arenas where reporters often used provocative tactics.

A standout example involved CNN’s Jim Acosta. His confrontational tone and accusations of fake news created viral “gotcha” moments. These altercations, often portrayed as standing up to the administration, raised questions about journalistic integrity.

Such behavior wasn’t limited to individuals. Networks like CNN leaned into oppositional coverage, a strategy aimed at increasing ratings. Sanders saw these moments not as genuine attempts at accountability but as theater designed for personal or corporate gains.

Examples

• Acosta’s viral confrontations during Sanders’s press briefings.
• Claims by reporters that didn’t align with official statements, frustrating the administration.
• Instances where networks prioritized sensationalism over corrections, such as the story of Trump allegedly criticizing Sanders.

5. A Historic Summit with North Korea

One of the administration’s most notable foreign policy achievements was the 2018 summit between Trump and Kim Jong-un. Sanders played a direct role, witnessing Trump’s high-stakes negotiation strategy aimed at denuclearizing North Korea.

The buildup to the summit involved tense moments, such as threats of retaliation from North Korea. Trump’s firm warnings and subsequent overtures changed the narrative, creating an opportunity for diplomacy.

During the summit, Sanders observed a rare moment of history—two nations seemingly on the brink of conflict finding a path to dialogue. While reflecting on this event, she often recounted humorous moments, like Kim Jong-un winking at her, showing that even in tense negotiations, human quirks came into play.

Examples

• Sanders’s work drafting Trump’s fiery statements addressing North Korean aggression.
• The 2018 Singapore summit where Trump and Kim discussed denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.
• Kim Jong-un’s unexpected and humorous interactions, like winking at Sanders.

6. Facing Harassment as the Voice of the Administration

Serving as the public face of the Trump administration made Sanders a lightning rod for criticism. Opponents targeted her with personal attacks, often crossing boundaries in public spaces.

One incident involved Sanders and her family being ejected from the Red Hen restaurant in Virginia. The restaurant owner refused to serve them and encouraged others to harass them. It was an emblematic moment of the divisiveness that characterized the Trump era.

Trump supporters rallied around Sanders, emphasizing the importance of tolerance in public discourse. Nonetheless, the incidents highlighting harassment deeply affected her family life and revealed the challenges public figures face.

Examples

• Being publicly rebuked and asked to leave the Red Hen restaurant.
• Facing confrontations at her children’s school from disgruntled parents.
• Her husband being removed from his fantasy football league for association with Trump.

7. The Mueller Investigation and Trump’s Vindication

The Mueller report, intended to investigate Russian interference, became a defining element of Trump’s presidency. For three years, it dominated the media cycle, especially during Sanders’s press briefings.

Despite speculation and intense scrutiny, Mueller’s findings didn’t substantiate claims of collusion between Trump and Russia. Sanders saw this as vindication, arguing that Trump’s policies, like sanctions on Russia and bolstering NATO, demonstrated he viewed Russia as an adversary, not an ally.

The report’s failure to implicate Trump enhanced Sanders’s confidence in the administration’s integrity. She considered its conclusion a testament to the truth about her boss’s presidency.

Examples

• Mueller’s investigation consuming three years and significant resources without finding conclusive evidence.
• Sanders undergoing a six-hour interview during the investigation.
• Highlighting Trump’s hard stance on Russia through policies like lethal aid to Ukraine.

8. Trump’s Divisive but Bold Leadership Style

Sanders admired Trump’s boldness, especially in tackling issues overlooked by previous administrations. From foreign policy to domestic matters, Trump remained consistent in his “America First” pledges.

She often recalled key decisions, like moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, a move heralded by many conservatives. For Sanders, his ability to follow through on controversial promises demonstrated strength, even when it invited criticism.

While divisive, Sanders viewed Trump’s leadership style as a reflection of his authenticity and commitment to reshaping the political landscape.

Examples

• Relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem despite international backlash.
• Policy decisions such as tax reforms benefiting businesses.
• His stance on renegotiating trade deals to favor U.S. interests.

9. Resignation to Refocus on Family

After two eventful years, Sanders decided to step down in mid-2019. Despite her deep respect for Trump, balancing a demanding job with family obligations led her to prioritize her loved ones.

Her departure reflected the personal sacrifices involved in working at the White House. Sanders left with a strong sense of accomplishment, believing she had served the public and the administration loyally.

Trump’s farewell tweet to Sanders called her a “warrior,” hinting at future political roles for her. While stepping away, Sanders remained deeply aligned with Trump’s values.

Examples

• Announcing her resignation to spend more time with her children.
• Reflecting on accomplishments like improving communication during Trump’s presidency.
• Trump’s public praise for her as she concluded her tenure.

Takeaways

1. Manage challenging relationships by maintaining professionalism and focusing on the bigger picture, even when under scrutiny or attacked.
2. Stay true to your values and convictions, especially in high-pressure environments, as they provide clarity in decision-making.
3. Pursue opportunities boldly, knowing that sacrifices are inevitable—but ensure you prioritize what truly matters in the long run, like family and personal well-being.