Michael S. Schmidt

Overview:

 

Donald Trump v. The United States by Michael S. Schmidt is an insightful and thoroughly researched book that delves into the legal battles and controversies surrounding Donald Trump during his presidency. Schmidt, a Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times correspondent, provides a comprehensive account of the various conflicts and investigations that shaped Trump's time in office.

 

Key Points / Ideas:

 

The Mueller investigation:

 

Schmidt begins by exploring the investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. He details the events that led to the appointment of Mueller, including Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey and the subsequent appointment of Mueller to oversee the investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election.

 

Schmidt highlights the key arguments made by Mueller's team and examines the evidence they presented, including the controversial Trump Tower meeting between campaign officials and Russians offering "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. He also sheds light on Trump's efforts to undermine and obstruct the investigation, such as his firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his attempts to have Mueller removed.

 

The impeachment inquiry:

 

Another significant aspect of the book is the impeachment inquiry against Trump, stemming from his phone call to Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky. Schmidt provides an overview of the events leading up to the call and presents evidence of Trump's solicitation of foreign interference in the 2020 presidential election.

 

Schmidt explores the arguments presented by both sides during the impeachment hearings, highlighting key testimonies and the subsequent Senate trial. He details the various legal strategies employed by Trump's defense team and offers insights into the political motivations behind the impeachment process.

 

Legal battles and implications:

 

Throughout the book, Schmidt emphasizes the legal battles that unfolded during Trump's presidency and their broader implications. He examines Trump's use of executive power, the challenges faced by his administration in implementing policies such as the travel ban, and the numerous lawsuits filed against him by individuals and organizations.

 

Schmidt also highlights the impact of these legal battles on the functioning of government institutions and the erosion of trust in the rule of law. He argues that Trump's approach to governance significantly departed from previous norms and posed a unique challenge to the legal system and constitutional checks and balances.

 

Conclusion:

 

"Donald Trump v. The United States" offers readers an in-depth and well-documented account of the legal battles and controversies surrounding Donald Trump's presidency. Schmidt presents a balanced narrative that explores both sides of the arguments while providing thorough evidence to support his claims.

 

The book serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the complexities of the Mueller investigation, the impeachment inquiry, and the legal implications of Trump's presidency. It encourages readers to explore further reading on the topic and offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by American democracy during this tumultuous period.

 

Similar books:

 

For readers interested in further exploring the legal and political aspects of the Trump presidency, books like "Fire and Fury" by Michael Wolff and "A Very Stable Genius" by Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig provide additional perspectives and analysis.