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Exonerated: The Failed Takedown of President Donald Trump by the Swamp

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As seen on The Ben Shapiro Show! A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “Great new book by wonderful and very street smart author Dan Bongino, EXONERATED, THE FAILED TAKEDOWN OF PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP BY THE SWAMP. Dan hits all of the crooked points of the greatest Witch Hunt in political history. Nevertheless, the Scam continues!” —President Donald J. TrumpAn explosive, whistle-blowing expose,  The Failed Takedown of Donald Trump by the Swamp reveals how Deep State actors relied on a cynical plug-and-play template to manufacture the now-discredited Russiagate scandal. With the cutting analysis and insight he exhibited in his blockbuster bestseller  The Attempted Sabotage of Donald J. Trump, Fox News contributor Bongino exposes who masterminded the dangerous playbook to take down Trump, their motives, and how a plan filled with faked allegations backfired—forcing investigators to up the ante and hide their missteps and half-truths in a desperate effort to prove a collusion case that never happened. The result? The misguided multimillion Mueller investigation that tore the nation apart, tried to destabilize the presidency and led, as the world now knows, to nowhere!

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2019

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613 people want to read

About the author

Dan Bongino

10 books178 followers
Daniel John Bongino is a conservative commentator and former Secret Service agent. Bongino is a member of the Republican Party. He is the host of the popular conservative podcast, The Dan Bongino Show.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Amora.
215 reviews190 followers
September 21, 2020
A good timeline of all the events leading up to the impeachment debacle. I watch Dan Bongino’s podcast pretty regularly so it was nice to see all the information from his show covered in one book. If you’re interested in seeing how the collusion narrative is bogus and why we should be concerned about the politicization of the FBI and Department of Justice, this book is for you. There’s plenty of information on Joe Biden’s shady Ukraine history as well.

I recommend reading his previous book before reading this one. The Russia Hoax by Gregg Jarrett is also another good book.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
633 reviews33 followers
October 13, 2019
The author wouldn't need to pay for positive reviews if he had written a book that wasn't disproved by the president's own tweets. Its also woefully dated even before its official release date. Sad!

This review is for you, James.
Profile Image for Courtney Andresen.
94 reviews35 followers
August 2, 2019
Well, I had no idea that "Muellergate" was the thing that "tore the country apart"! And here I thought the vitriol spewing forth from both parties might be culpable in some way... Or perhaps the recent prevalence of racism/nationalism... Hell, maybe even having someone in power who is disparaging towards everyone but himself (don't kid yourself, folks; he thinks ALL of us are idiots)...
Profile Image for Ramona.
12 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2019
A masterful connecting of the dots. This book should be required reading for all voters. Having said that, it’s not an easy read. Sometimes it felt like a chart on the wall was needed. The book confirms that the DC establishment all swim in a cesspool.
Profile Image for Shelli.
360 reviews86 followers
um-not-these-authors
October 7, 2019
It’s good to see this author got his money’s worth with all the fake reviews he bought.
Profile Image for Glenn O'Bannon.
157 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2019
A well-done recitation.

He introduces all of the people involved and explains their background and how they fit into the whole story.

Then he explains what actually happened and what we have learned since.

I especially like that when the dots obviously connect, he says so but is also careful to note those times when he thinks the dots probably connect in the whole web.
41 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2019
Don't miss reading this outstanding book.

Dan does an outstanding job of presenting the detailed history that has been going on for years but expanded significantly with Donald Trump's election. Trump promised to "drain the swamp" and that is exactly what he is doing. I am absolutely disgusted with our Washington politicians and their greed. Read, understand, and commit to voting the skum out of office in 2020.
2 reviews
October 1, 2019
Great reading

Very informative. Bongino makes it very clear when he is quoting information or inserting his own theories. Very obvious how Mueller and his cronies twisted words and omitted exculpatory info in the report in order to give Dems fodder to continue attacking President Trump.
1 review1 follower
October 2, 2019
If you read only one book about Russiagate, make it this one

I have read several books about Russiagate, this this one is, by far, the best one. Bongino lays out, in a clear and easy to read narrative, how Russiagate developed and changed over time to adjust to ongoing circumstances. You won't find a better understanding of Russiagate anywhere
Profile Image for Delores.
229 reviews
October 1, 2019
Even better than his last book, Spygate, which was wonderful. So much research went into this book and I appreciate that this author always acknowledges his sources. I have faith that he is giving us the truth. If we want to understand the mess that is our current government, read this book.
Profile Image for Charlene.
474 reviews
October 2, 2019
Excellent read. Clear, concise facts of what happened in the collusion scandal with all the bad actors.
Profile Image for Twobchelm.
994 reviews19 followers
September 30, 2019
This book takes you through the series of events as they happened and does a good job of setting the facts straight. Corruption has been a part of politics for many many years and the long termed ones are not giving up their perks! It also shows that the scales of Lady Justice are still tilted!
Profile Image for Samuel  Flanigan.
271 reviews15 followers
October 26, 2024
A walk through the alleged Russian Collusion charges leveled against President Donald Trump. This book takes a look at the key participants and the evidence. If you want to know more about it then this is the book you need to read.
Profile Image for James Mc Donald.
47 reviews7 followers
October 11, 2019
Author presents a valuable part of it but there’s more in the Rabbit Hole.

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Specifically, this is a most important publication and I most strongly recommend this book because the author is an expert in the science of investigating potential crimes which comes with the skill to communicate objectively the facts of the event. This is perhaps the most important reason why I’m recommending this publication to everyone because regardless of your feelings about what you think is going on in our nation, in the end of it all, I suspect everyone will agree we are witnessing the greatest political scandal in our nation’s history and it’s reassuring to find an outstanding American taking the time and effort to explain to me what the heck is going on. Plus, naturally, it would be reasonable for an emotionally mature adult to take the time to review all of the information from all sides as it would seem to be necessary in order to be a more responsible citizen.

I also recommend this book because I think the author expertly pulls together many of the strings exposing state crimes against our Constitutional Republic. An example of this can be seen via the MSM within the last few weeks about all of the information coming out about Ukraine. I suspect some who read the author’s first book started to get the chills and the hair stood up on the back of their necks when this stuff starting hitting the MSM processors attempting to cover up that much of the Russian collusion myth with Donald Trump started in Ukraine.

This feeling sort of came to me again when I was reading chapter 8, “The Deep State Sails to Ukraine” all while I looked up to see Mark Levin interviewing Peter Schweizer, the author of the publication, Secret Empires: Who the American Political Class Hides Corruption and Enriches Family and Friends. Additionally, I would think it would be sort of hard to excuse the photo of Biden on the golf course with the rest of his crew, uh?

Finally, it was an pleasure to point out on a review after reading the publication, Crossfire Hurricane by Josh Campbell that Dan Bongino’s latest publication had just downloaded to my kindle and although I had not read the book yet when I wrote a customer review for Crossfire Hurricane, I noted then I felt it would be by far one of the most important books ever published about the coup attempt in this nation and I recommend people take the effort to read everything they can regardless of their political view and I noted Dan Bongino was one of the best authors referenced on a review of Josh Campbell's new book.

The one thing I was disappointed with was the author (at times) almost seems to be sort of soft on Robert Mueller although the author clearly pointed out all of the anomalies and flat out deception regarding the Mueller investigation. An example is that not once did the author point out Robert Mueller was the head man in charge of the FBI on 9/11 and Robert Mueller reported live to the nation the FBI had no previous information about what would eventually happen that tragic day. Most Americans still have no awareness of the Congressional investigation into 9/11 that will point out the problems about the FBI and the run up to 9/11 (not to be confused with the more publicly known 9/11 commission report).

The author does presented outstanding observations about all of the connections to the players regarding the Russian collusion claims yet many of the same players in this mess have a history to deep state operations including the efforts to cover up any criminal aspect. It’s sort of like Barr and his historical past to Iran/Contra. I'm point this out because I got the feeling the author seem to take some effort to remove himself from anything that has to do with a “secret shadow government” however, I am reminded about what Senator Daniel Inouye said when he noted "There exists a shadowy government with its own Air Force, its own Navy, its own fundraising mechanism, and the ability to pursue its own ideas of national interest, free from all checks and balances, and free from the law itself.". The senator was on the Select Committee on Secret Military Assistance to Iran and the Nicaraguan Opposition (One Hundredth Congress), Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (One Hundred Tenth Congress), Committee on Appropriations (One Hundred Eleventh and One Hundred Twelfth Congresses).

I’m also reminded that Clinton noted several years ago the new CFR office was just down the street from the State department so it was a short trip for her to get“her "marching orders”. I also noted that Biden was at the CFR when he publicly admitted withholding aid to Ukraine unless the prosecutor investigating the company his son was on the board for was fired. Finally, I will point out the FBI and the CIA with the MSM in tow is responsible for this fake Russian collusion with the POTUS. I will also point out it’s the same three organizations connected to a different POTUS 56 years ago also attempting to control the narrative but as noted in the title of my review, the author has presented only one part of what you can find in the rabbit hole.

The book is outstanding referencing this Russian mess and I do recommend it although the elephant in the room regarding the historical foot print of the FBI, CIA with the MSM in tow still has not been addressed as I suspect Donald Trump is in the White House today because of what happened to JFK.

Edited; Critical observations of the CIA,FBI and MSM are directed to various leadership elements as I suspect the majority of Americans working in these organizations a decent, honorable human beings and I suspect they are a offended and upset as I am.
Profile Image for Patricia J.
31 reviews
October 16, 2019
Great book! Well written. If you watch Dan's podcasts regularly, there weren't a lot of surprises here, but a good book nevertheless.
Profile Image for Jean Salvas.
84 reviews7 followers
October 18, 2019
A lot of cast of characters for sure. We know of our enemies from outside the U.S., but do we really know who are our enemies within? The mueller report fiasco was a bought and paid for scam just like the steele dossier. When you put party, the FBI and the CIA above Country then you are the enemy within.
It wasn't so much what the report said, but what it didn't say. I know some of you political junkies out there will understand it very well after you read the report and then read EXONERATED. But for someone like me it is quite baffling. When you swear to uphold and protect the Constitution then that is what you DO. mueller being a veteran and working for the FBI did not keep his promise. clinton-obama-mueller-rosenstein-biden etc. fell short of their duties. SHAME ON THEM. Stay strong America we fighting all fronts, but we can withstand it with the blessings of God and the American Spirit.
5 reviews
October 20, 2019
The author does a great job gathering the facts and media soundbytes to paint a picture of the real collusion to destroy Trump.

Bongino provides sources from all political leanings which makes it hard to refute from the left. Additionally, the last chapter sort of makes you wonder, with the focus now on Ukraine...the Dems efforts will likely blow up in their faces.
123 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2019
This book lays out the plan to take down the duly elected president of the United States. Thank God these idiots have not been successful, but they keep trying. I for one love our president.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jim Dowdell.
195 reviews14 followers
October 21, 2019
Quick and easy read. Sets out the Russian hoax in an accurate and comprehensive timeline. It explains the twists and turns of the plot to deny Donald Trump the presidency. The really scary part is that this is just part of the repeat pattern intended to forever destroy the office of president. The Ukrainian Impeachment farce is using this narrative as template for the remainder of Trump's first term. Reading this book will give you a window on the future; on the run up to the next election. It will also convince you that we desperately need to drain the Washington Swamp.
I am looking forward to the end of this saga with the culprits put in jail. No matter who they are. That would be more just than the fifteen million dollar mansion that Obama thinks he is entitled to.
Profile Image for Wendi'igo.
5 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2019
A quick, well-sourced read that is STACKED with information, "Exonerated" walks you through the attempted coup of a sitting and duly elected President by the various swamp critters that lurk beneath the austere veneer of our great nation's capital. Written for anyone to enjoy, regardless of political affiliation, "Exonerated" deals out facts page after page, guaranteeing that you'll have a better understanding of the Russian Collusion Delusion, Mueller Time and the Barr Tab, and even hints at some Ukrainian Quid Pro Joe. Buy two copies - one to keep and one to give this holiday season to a loved one afflicted with TDS.
Profile Image for Jordan Goulet.
144 reviews
October 31, 2024
Bongino does another great job of further exploring the deep state players and the bogus information they used to conjure up spygate.
1 review
October 28, 2019
Bars review

This is truly a well researched and enlightening book. It’s refreshing to read such expert research and insiders view of the alarming activities of the leftist players in our national politics.
Profile Image for Cindy McBride.
47 reviews14 followers
November 29, 2019
Superb highly-detailed, intensively-researched and heavily-footnoted expose of the most corrupt cast of characters within our intelligence and justice communities in U.S. history, not to mention the pomposity and lack of integrity running amok within the Democrat party. Mind-boggling in its scope, it outlines all the nefarious plots to destroy Trump's presidential legacy. Before you vote in 2020, you need to read this book! Kudos to Bongino for his bravery in bringing this complicated scheme out from the shadows.
2 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2020
If anyone has any doubts how badly the Democrats illigally conspired to take down a presidential candidate, this book tells it all. A goodreads indeed.
Profile Image for James.
Author 8 books14 followers
December 23, 2022
Like his pervious book "Spygate" this one shows Bongino is excellent at capturing the essence of a story, simplifying the complex, cutting to the case and through the partisan BS that sadly passes for news, reporting and accepted opinion these days.

"Let me be totally clear where I stand on the Mueller report: it is a 448-page object lesson in gaslighting." (p. 147)

Sure, Dan is partisan here, he thinks a travesty of justice was (and still is) being committed by the Deep State in how it has dealt with first, candidate then president Trump, but it's clear his partisanship is to the US Constitution and not a particular party or administration.

While providing a thorough who's-who of those involved, Bongino, in short order, lays out the timetable for the Russia Hoax and Muller investigation showing how it morphed from a political smear campaign (by the Obama Administration, DNC and Clinton campaign) to an attempt to cover for the US intelligence community (by Mueller). In the end despite Mueller's best efforts to prosecute Trump and cover for the FBI's mismanagement he failed. And yet.... it seems like half the country still thinks Trump was and is guilty of collusion and obstruction!

"Speaking of illusions - or maybe I mean delusions - guess how many pages of the Mueller report contain the name Christopher Steele?
Nine.
Guess how many pages of the Mueller report evaluate the information that Christopher Steele provided to the FBI and in his well-publicized dossier?
Zero.
This is a truly fascinating omission. The man who provided the primary "evidence" used to obtain the FISA warrant and drive the entire Mueller investigation is barely mentioned in the investigation's final report....
Pretty much every other mention of Steele in the report is made in passing with a brief mention of the dossier. There is no exhumation, no analysis, and no detail about the credibility of Steele's FBI reports or his dossier.
There is also no mention of Glenn Simpson or Simpson's firm Fusion GPS in the special counsel's write-up. The man who I believe did more than anyone to drive the Trump-Russia collusion story forward..... does not substantially exist in the entire special counsel narrative." (p. 161-2)

Due to US intelligence agency's and Muller's willful misdirection,

"Thirty-five million dollars, 675 days, and 448 pages later, America still doesn't know whether Christopher Steele was fed misinformation by Russian intelligence.
Thirty-five million dollars, 675 days, and 448 pages later, America still doesn't know for certain the real reason the FBI relied so heavily on a discredited Christopher Steele's information to advance the biggest hoax in American history.
Thirty-five million dollars, 675 days, and 448 pages later, America still doesn't know if what Simpson's wife implied on Facebook is true - that he directed Steele in compiling the dossier.
Thirty-five million dollars, 675 days, and 448 pages later, America has no idea whether the Steele dossier was the creation of Vladimir Putin's counterintelligence division. All we know is the raw information in the dossier that was fed to the FBI was almost all completely wrong and politically toxic." (p. 162-3)

Clearly the wrong collusion and obstruction story was investigated...
Profile Image for Patrick Duran.
296 reviews6 followers
May 31, 2020
Dan does a fine job summarizing the Russia Hoax and even provides details of which I was not aware. In his reporting, he details how Mueller cherry-picked which information to include in his report. For instance, Glenn Simpson and Fusion GPS are not even mentioned in Mueller's report (and he makes no mention of the origin of the Steele report!). As well as the fact that no attempt was made to verify the information in the Steele report which was the supposed catalyst for the investigation into collusion. All of these are vital details conveniently missing. The investigation was a crime in itself and it has destroyed the justice department's reputation for decades.
Profile Image for Keith.
839 reviews9 followers
October 14, 2021
This book is a fantastic walkthrough of the investigation into Donald Trump and why it was a disgrace. Bongino stuck to the facts for the most part, and was pretty open when he was speculating, which I appreciated. I'm sure that liberals would say this book is all lies, but I think anyone open minded would be pretty convinced.

The only downside of the book, and it isn't Bongino's fault, is that the material can be dense so it is a fascinating read but it feels like work a bit.

I would guess that a lot of people who only get their news from places like CNN would learn a whole lot from this book.
927 reviews25 followers
February 9, 2024
This book is more than just showing that the Russian Collusion and other made-up charges against Trump were false. It really shows the key participants and their obsession in taking Trump down no matter what the costs. It was just one thing after another and how political forces are really for themselves and really against America. They really just hate Trump because he was an outsider, it seems like it has nothing to do with his political views, just that he was not one of them.

This book came out in 2019 while reelection was occurring, so of course reading it 5 years later is a tad dated, but at the same time it still seems to be accurate.
71 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2019
Every "Never Trumper" must read this book. But they never will take the time. This timely book details how the Obama administration (and holdovers), the CIA, the FBI, the NSA, and the multitude of anti-Trumpers lied, conived, and generally tried and are continuing to attempt to oust Donald Trump. Why? The book makes one understand why the current DOJ and the Inspector General are taking so much time to indict and then prosecute the criminals. The web that was woven by all the sneaky bureaucrats is VERY hard to follow. Recommended to all who want to understand the corrupt deep state.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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