I Alone Can Fix It by Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker Summary

I Alone Can Fix It chronicles Donald Trump’s tumultuous final year in office, focusing on his mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to overturn the 2020 election, and the January 6 Capitol riot. Pulitzer-winning journalists Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker use insider interviews to reveal Trump’s erratic leadership and the systemic chaos within his administration.

This book is essential for political enthusiasts, historians, and readers analyzing presidential leadership or modern U.S. history. It offers a meticulously reported account of Trump’s governance, making it valuable for those studying authoritarianism, crisis management, or democratic resilience.

Yes—it’s a gripping, well-researched exposé praised for its insider access and narrative depth. Critics highlight its unflinching portrayal of Trump’s election denialism and the dangers of unchecked power, though supporters of Trump may dispute its conclusions.

The book details Trump’s dismissal of COVID-19 warnings, his antagonistic response to Black Lives Matter protests, his refusal to concede the 2020 election, and his pressure on Mike Pence to block certification. It also examines General Mark Milley’s efforts to prevent military misuse during the Capitol riot.

Leonnig and Rucker portray Trump as narcissistic and impulsive, prioritizing self-interest over public safety. Examples include his fixation on voter fraud conspiracies, clashes with health experts over pandemic measures, and admiration for authoritarian tactics.

General Milley emerges as a central figure who resisted Trump’s demands to deploy troops against protesters or overturn the election. The authors depict him as a stabilizing force, privately vowing to thwart unconstitutional orders.

The book reconstructs Trump’s inaction during the Capitol attack, showcasing his refusal to condemn rioters and his belief that the chaos bolstered his image. It contrasts his rhetoric with aides’ desperate attempts to restore order.

Leonnig and Rucker drew from over 200 interviews with Trump’s inner circle, including former officials, campaign advisors, and military leaders. The epilogue features a revealing 2.5-hour interview with Trump himself.

Unlike memoirs or opinion-driven accounts, this book prioritizes investigative rigor and firsthand testimonies. It’s often compared to A Very Stable Genius (by the same authors) but focuses specifically on Trump’s catastrophic final year.

Some reviewers argue it reinforces anti-Trump narratives without sufficiently exploring supporters’ perspectives. However, its reliance on documented conversations and bipartisan sources strengthens its credibility.

It depicts Trump downplaying the virus publicly while privately acknowledging its severity, prioritizing reelection optics over containment. His clashes with scientists like Anthony Fauci and obsession with vaccine credit are highlighted.

The book serves as a cautionary tale about demagoguery and institutional fragility. Its insights into disinformation, electoral integrity, and leadership failures remain critical amid ongoing debates about democracy’s future.