Barbara McQuade's New Book Casts Trump as Mob Boss, Urges 3.5% Protest Threshold

2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 13

Barbara McQuade's The Fix argues Trump governs through quid pro quo, using appointments, pardons, tariffs and executive pressure to demand loyalty and punish critics.
McQuade, a former U.S. attorney, says his second term is more dangerous because loyalty now outweighs expertise, citing figures such as Robert Kennedy Jr. at HHS and Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.
She frames the era around 'corruption, cruelty and chaos,' pointing to a $400 million Qatari plane, Jan. 6 pardons, pressure on law firms and media settlements as examples of institutions bending to presidential leverage.
Courts have offered only partial resistance, she says: lower judges have often checked overreach, while the Supreme Court's sympathy for unitary executive theory risks empowering Trump further.
As a remedy, McQuade calls for sustained civic action, citing research that 3.5% peaceful participation can topple authoritarian rule and urging Americans to protest, run for local office and build broader political coalitions.

Sources

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The Guardian5h ago

Barbara McQuade's 'The Fix' Accuses Trump of Mob-Style Governance

X12h ago

Barbara McQuade on taking trump's name off Kennedy Center: “When we talk about the fix of a corrupt mob style government, this is exactly what we're talking about! I think the visual

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How 3.5% Can Save American Democracy: Lessons from Barbara McQuade’s "The Fix" on Corruption, Citizen Action, and Reform

Overview

Barbara McQuade’s book, The Fix: Saving American Democracy from Corruption, was released in June 2026 and quickly captured public attention, reflecting widespread concerns about the state of American democracy. Drawing on her extensive legal experience, McQuade offers a rigorous perspective on current threats to democratic institutions. The book’s timely subject matter and McQuade’s reputation as a thought leader helped it rapidly reach #6 on the national nonfiction bestseller list. Its release was marked by major public events, including a scheduled discussion at the Springfield Public Forum and participation in the Seacoast LitFest, highlighting its immediate impact and relevance.

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