Donald Trump Jr. debuts at No. 1 on the bestseller list — but there's a catch


The New York Times' bestseller list is not exactly as it appears.
Yes, Donald Trump Jr., the president's son and self-proclaimed "general in the meme wars," saw his book Triggered debut at No. 1 on The New York Times' bestseller list on Wednesday evening. But that's likely in part because some bulk orders of the book helped him seal the deal.
The bestseller list through Nov. 24 debuted Wednesday, putting Trump Jr's book on "How the left thrives on hate and wants to silence us" at the top of the list. Yet next to that title, there's a little dagger mark. It indicates "institutional, special interest, group or bulk purchases," which the list takes into account when formulating its rankings, the Times explains. Essentially, there's a strong chance Trump Jr.'s camp organized some big orders to get his book the best billing.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Regardless of the possibly rigged ranking, Trump Jr. got what he likely wanted out of the top spot: a congratulatory tweet from his father. After all, he was just copying the bulk-buying method President Trump has been perfecting for decades.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Kathryn is a graduate of Syracuse University, with degrees in magazine journalism and information technology, along with hours to earn another degree after working at SU's independent paper The Daily Orange. She's currently recovering from a horse addiction while living in New York City, and likes to share her extremely dry sense of humor on Twitter.
-
Today's political cartoons - April 22, 2025
Cartoons Tuesday's cartoons - Earth Day, pollen season, and more
By The Week US
-
Wine-tasting in Tuscany
The Week Recommends From biodynamic vineyards to historic cellars, the picturesque region is a wine lover's dream
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK
-
Ukraine-Russia: is peace deal possible after Easter truce?
Today's Big Question 'Decisive week' will tell if Putin's surprise move was cynical PR stunt or genuine step towards ending war
By The Week UK
-
Who would win in a China-US trade war?
Today's Big Question Tariff pain will be higher for China but Beijing is betting it can weather the storm
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Lesotho: the tiny African nation in the crosshairs of Trump's tariff war
Under the Radar US president imposes 50% reciprocal levy on the impoverished state: the highest of his so-called 'Liberation Day' tariffs
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
What is the job market's future after Trump's tariffs?
Talking Points Economic analysts are split on what the tariffs could mean for employees
By Justin Klawans, The Week US
-
Is this the end of globalisation?
Today's Big Question American-led post-war order is 'finally starting to crumble' but that could bring about 'a more inclusive world'
By The Week UK
-
How could stock market slides affect you?
Today's Big Question Pensions, prices and jobs at risk as Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' measures take hold
By The Week UK
-
Are free trade zones and alliances the answer to Trump's tariffs?
Today's Big Question Temptation is to retaliate with trade barriers, but most agree nations should focus on targeted trade pacts and strengthening cooperation
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Trump tariffs: five scenarios for the world's economy
The Explainer A US recession? A trade war with China? How 'Liberation Day' could realign the globe
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Markets notch worst quarter in years as new tariffs loom
Speed Read The S&P 500 is on track for its worst month since 2022 as investors brace for Trump's tariffs
By Peter Weber, The Week US