A Very Stable Genius: Donald J. Trump's Testing of America

By Philip Rucker & Carol Leonnig

The instant #1 bestseller—a gripping, behind-the-scenes chronicle of the Trump presidency from two Pulitzer Prize–winning Washington Post journalists. With unmatched access and meticulous reporting, A Very Stable Genius offers a definitive portrait of a presidency defined by chaos, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of power.

Book Synopsis

“I alone can fix it.” With those words, Donald J. Trump accepted the Republican nomination in 2016. But as he assumed office, the reality of governing collided with scandal, investigation, and internal discord. Drawing on hundreds of interviews and deep sourcing, Rucker and Leonnig reveal how Trump’s presidency tested the limits of American institutions—and how loyalty to the president often eclipsed loyalty to the nation. From explosive Oval Office confrontations to unscripted calls with world leaders, this is a vivid, unflinching account of power in its rawest form.

Perfect For

• Readers of political nonfiction and investigative journalism
• Fans of Bob Woodward, Michael Wolff, and Ronan Farrow
• Students of American democracy and executive power
• Anyone seeking a detailed narrative of the Trump administration’s inner workings

Advance Praise

“This taut and terrifying book is among the most closely observed accounts of Donald J. Trump’s shambolic tenure in office to date.”
—Dwight Garner, The New York Times

“Richly sourced and highly readable… unsettling, not salacious.”
—The Guardian

“A harrowing companion narrative… leaves little doubt about the stakes for American democracy.”
—NPR

About the Authors

Philip Rucker is the senior Washington correspondent at The Washington Post and a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist. Carol Leonnig is a national investigative reporter at the Post and a three-time Pulitzer winner. Together, they bring decades of experience covering the White House and national security to this landmark work of political reporting.

Other Related Titles

• I Alone Can Fix It by Philip Rucker & Carol Leonnig
• Fear by Bob Woodward
• Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff
• Zero Fail by Carol Leonnig

Product Details

• Publisher: Penguin Press
• Publication Date: January 21, 2020
• Format: Hardcover / Paperback / eBook / Audiobook
• ISBN: 9781984877499
• Pages: 480