Zero Fail by Carol Leonnig Summary

Zero Fail by Carol Leonnig exposes the U.S. Secret Service’s institutional decline, chronicling toxic workplace culture, high-profile failures (like the Reagan assassination attempt and 2012 "Hookergate" scandal), and politicized leadership. Leonnig traces these issues from JFK’s era to Trump’s presidency, revealing how the agency prioritized reputation over security.

This book suits true crime enthusiasts, political history buffs, and readers interested in institutional accountability. It’s ideal for those seeking a critical analysis of federal agencies or behind-the-scenes insights into presidential security failures.

Yes. Pulitzer winner Carol Leonnig combines meticulous research with gripping storytelling, offering unprecedented access to Secret Service scandals and systemic dysfunction. Kirkus Reviews calls it a “damning portrait” essential for understanding modern security vulnerabilities.

Key scandals include:

• Hookergate (2012): Agents solicited sex workers in Colombia, some linked to cartels.
• Reagan’s near-fatal assassination attempt (1981): Lapses in protective protocols.
• Trump-era politicization: Agents openly supported Trump and ignored protocols.

Leonnig highlights poor accountability, outdated training, and leaders who prioritized presidential whims over safety. For example, Trump pressured agents to remove Melania’s detail head over footwear preferences, while post-9/11 underfunding strained teams.

Leonnig relies on internal documents, interviews with retired agents, and whistleblower accounts. She details unreported incidents, like armed intruders breaching White House grounds during Obama’s tenure.

The book describes systemic racism, including a noose found in a Black instructor’s workspace. Leadership dismissed it as “one bad apple,” ignoring broader cultural issues.

The title refers to the Secret Service’s unofficial mandate to prevent any security lapse. Leonnig argues this impossible standard bred a culture of secrecy and blame-shifting.

Unlike celebratory histories, Leonnig’s investigative approach emphasizes institutional decay. It’s frequently compared to In the Secret Service by Jerry Parr but offers a more critical, modern perspective.

While focused on physical security, the book underscores universal themes: underfunded agencies risk catastrophic failures, and leadership accountability is vital. These insights apply to cybersecurity and organizational management.

As a Pulitzer-winning Washington Post reporter, Leonnig leverages investigative rigor and insider access. Her narrative blends historical context with firsthand agent testimonies, creating a balanced yet damning account.

The book exposes ongoing vulnerabilities in presidential protection, especially amid rising threats and politicized security agencies. Its insights into Trump’s interference with Secret Service protocols remain timely.