'At War with Ourselves' and 'Broken Open' are memoirs chronicling internal conflict

Navigating Politics and Personal Challenges

H.R. McMaster's memoir explores his experiences during the Trump administration, addressing the complexities of working with a divisive president and his team. He reflects on his overconfidence in his ability to bridge gaps within the administration, particularly regarding relationships with influential figures like Rex Tillerson and James Mattis, who viewed him as an extension of Trump. McMaster highlights the challenges he faced in coordinating foreign policy under a president who was at times surrounded by individuals driven by their own agendas. Despite these hurdles, he acknowledges that the administration achieved some meaningful advancements in foreign policy, underscoring the lasting effects of their decisions on global relations.