Rasputin swims the Potomac by Ben fountain

An absurd satire about Trump’s reelection campaign for a 3rd term and the one that comes to challenge him, WWE Champion Rasputin, who despite being American born, legally changed his name to Rasputin and claims to be the reincarnation of one of the most notorious villains in recorded history. At first Trump and Rasputin are friends. The nation is suffering from a “weeping disease,” officially called conversion disorder which is a more scientific and updated way to say mass hysteria.

This book’s vibes are like no other.

This book is wild- but so is the news. Trying to take on the task of political satire at a time when we have breaking news on a daily basis that reads like satire is, well, ambitious. But this – as ridiculous as it seems- is a story that we can’t see where it’s going and it seems relevant at all times. I think this scenario is as likely as any for 2028. Some details are true and some are creatively inserted. I will admit googling a few news items because I didn’t know if they had happened or if they were part of the story. From the blurb I though the president would be called “president mcpresidentface” but he is written, extremely realistically and convincingly, Donald Trump.

The challenge, I think, is just that this book will appeal more to those that think Trump is a threat to our democracy (which is most of us readers, but not all)… and yet many of us hate him so much that we don’t want to read him as a character in a fictitious story. It just makes me so mad that no one has read this but me I can’t wait to discuss with someone !!!!! I’m fascinated in Rasputin using Christian orthodox imagery as propaganda and his political platform.

Who knows. Maybe fountain is prescient and the one that will destroy MAGA will be another pawn of political theater.

I don’t know anyone else who has read this and it was only briefly on NetGalley but I’m so glad I snagged this one.

Melania’s Character arc… 🤌🤌🤌 chef’s kiss

Favorite character? Clarence Thomas.

Thanks to NetGalley and flatiron books for the ARC. Book to be published June 9, 2026.