The Spiraling Effect of the Inner Circle on Destructive Leadership: How the Trump Entourage Eroded American Democracy and the Rule of Law

Democracy is in decline worldwide, and the United States, one of the world’s largest democracies, is on the brink of becoming an autocracy. When Trump became the 45th U.S. President, the nation that once prided itself on being a beacon of democracy shifted away from the ideals envisioned by the Founding Fathers in an unprecedented manner. Trump sought powers traditionally associated with dictators and kings. However, a president with authoritarian tendencies who succeeds in enacting them must be supported by those around him. As the paradox goes, a dictator who aims to rule alone cannot do so without the help of others.

This book, therefore, does not focus primarily on President Trump. Instead, it turns to those closest to him—his inner circle—to address key questions: What motivated the people around him? Why would individuals raised in a country that cherishes democracy consciously or unconsciously contribute to its erosion? Finally, what kind of impact did these people have on democracy and the rule of law?