What happens when power is concentrated in the hands of a few? When decisions that shape a nation are made behind closed doors, away from public scrutiny? In Aaron Burr Donald Trump and Their Similar Battles author Dennis Brennan exposes the deep-seated underbelly of political systems, a recurring theme he calls the “Washington D.C. swamp.” This “swamp” is not a modern invention—it’s a centuries-old phenomenon where those in power form entrenched networks to maintain control. The book skillfully connects Aaron Burr’s struggles in the early 19th century to Donald Trump’s battles in the 21st, illustrating how this swamp operates across time. 

As Brennan puts it, “The system victimized both Burr and Trump. While Trump claims that it is the first time in history that such shenanigans have taken place, Aaron Burr and his defenders would argue that he was the first prominent elected official victimized by the Washington D.C. swamp.” This statement highlights the cyclical nature of power struggles, where opposition is silenced, not through debates or elections, but through the calculated machinery of law and influence. 

The term “swamp” has become a popular metaphor for political corruption, symbolizing the murky, self-serving alliances that dominate governance. Donald Trump popularized the phrase during his 2016 campaign, pledging to “drain the swamp” as a rallying cry against career politicians and bureaucrats. However, Brennan’s work reminds us that this swamp predates Trump by centuries. Aaron Burr, the third Vice President of the United States, encountered his version of the swamp during the formative years of American democracy. A man of ambition and intellect, Burr faced relentless opposition from figures like Alexander Hamilton and President Thomas Jefferson. His political downfall culminated in charges of treason; a trial orchestrated by Jefferson’s administration. Despite being acquitted, Burr’s career was irreparably damaged. The swamp of Burr’s time wasn’t merely about individual rivalries—it reflected a burgeoning political system designed to preserve the status quo by eliminating disruptive figures. 

What connects Burr and Trump is not just their controversial personas but the way the political machinery was weaponized against them. For Burr, the swamp was personified by Jefferson’s administration, which actively sought to destroy him. Jefferson even bypassed legal norms, declaring Burr guilty of treason before a trial had taken place. Similarly, Trump’s presidency has been marked by impeachment trials, media campaigns, and legal investigations, many of which he attributes to a coordinated effort by political adversaries. Brennan highlights how both men disrupted the norms of their time. Burr, a New Yorker who defied the Southern-dominated Democratic-Republican Party, and Trump, a brash outsider who challenged the Republican establishment, were seen as threats to entrenched power structures. Their enemies used every tool at their disposal, from partisan media to legal handling, to undermine them. 

At its core, the swamp thrives on alliances. These networks often blur the lines between politics, law, and media, creating a formidable force against dissenters. Burr’s downfall was not just due to Jefferson’s vendetta; it was also fueled by Federalist opposition, including Hamilton, who saw Burr as a threat to their political vision. Similarly, Trump’s legal and political battles have been compounded by resistance from within his own party. Brennan’s book discovers how the swamp manipulates public perception. Burr was accused of plotting to divide the United States—a claim that, as Brennan argues, lacked credible evidence but served its purpose of discrediting him. Likewise, Trump’s critics have labeled him an insurrectionist, a term that carries weight regardless of legal convictions. These narratives, once established, are difficult to dismantle, allowing the swamp to achieve its goals without direct confrontation. 

Brennan’s ability to fuse together the stories of Burr and Trump is both enlightening and sobering. He doesn’t just recount history; he forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about power and justice. His portrayal of the swamp as a recurring feature of American politics challenges the idealized notion of democracy as a fair and transparent system. One of the book’s strengths is its nuanced perspective. Brennan doesn’t claim that Burr or Trump are flawless heroes. Instead, he presents them as complex figures caught in a system that prioritizes preservation over progress. This balanced approach adds credibility to his arguments and makes the book a valuable resource for readers across the political spectrum. 

As readers, we are left with an important question: how do we, as a society, confront the swamp? Brennan’s work suggests that awareness is the first step. By understanding the mechanisms that sustain this system, we can begin to demand greater accountability from those in power. The stories of Burr and Trump serve as cautionary tales, reminding us that no one is immune to the swamp’s reach—not even those who claim to fight against it.