Analysis: For Trump, results have often revealed the art of no deal

Trump Tower's opening coincided with former President Donald Trump's claim that he could negotiate Russian arms control better than Ronald Reagan. Three years prior to the book's release, Trump declared that he could negotiate Russian arms control better than Reagan. In 1984, Trump told The Washington Post that understanding missiles would take "an hour-and-a-half to learn everything there is to learn about missiles."

During his time in the White House, Trump frequently boasted about his dealmaking prowess. He claimed that Iran would be defeated in weeks, brokered agreements that fizzled, and promised to negotiate an end to Russia's war in Ukraine within a day. He also attempted to use the threat of tariffs to negotiate trade deals, leading to higher domestic prices and trade wars with allies.

Trump's dealmaking skills were not limited to his presidential tenure; they also extended to his private sector career. He often exaggerated the success of his business deals and failed to deliver on expensive commitments, sometimes even refusing to pay employees and suing them. His most significant successes often came when he had the most leverage.

Despite his mixed record, Trump maintains that he is one of the best dealmakers in history. As voters weigh the impact of his presidency and his record as a dealmaker in the upcoming midterm elections, many will judge whether they believe he is a competent manager and a great dealmaker.