Pandemic, Power, and Paranoia: The Untold Story Behind the Headlines

The COVID-19 pandemic was the defining crisis of the Trump presidency—and I Alone Can Fix It offers the most detailed account yet of how the White House responded to disaster. Through interviews with insiders and exhaustive documentation, Leonnig and Rucker show how denial, delay, and political calculation cost the nation precious time.

Early warnings from abroad were ignored or dismissed, as the administration sought to project calm and avoid economic disruption. Public health experts found themselves sidelined, their guidance filtered through layers of political approval. The result was a patchwork response, with states left to compete for resources and citizens left confused by shifting messages.

Yet, the story is not all bleak. The book highlights moments of courage—health officials who refused to compromise standards, judges who upheld the law, and citizens who stepped up to help their communities. These acts of resilience offer hope for the future and a roadmap for reform.

As America looks to the next crisis, the lessons of I Alone Can Fix It are clear: trust science, value transparency, and never underestimate the power of truth.
Sources: Kirkus Reviews, NPR, Medium