Trump as Don Corleone: ‘Every time he does somebody a favour … he expects a quid pro quo’
Barbara McQuade’s book is a piercing exposé of how Trump is eroding democracy by turning the US into a mafia state
TL;DR
- Barbara McQuade, a former federal prosecutor, argues in her book 'The Fix' that Donald Trump governs like a mob boss, demanding loyalty and expecting a quid pro quo for favors.
- McQuade draws parallels between Trump's tactics and those of Vito Corleone from 'The Godfather,' suggesting Trump uses leverage, punishes critics, and employs corruption, cruelty, and chaos.
- The book criticizes Trump's approach to governance, citing examples of pardons for political donors, questionable financial dealings, and dehumanizing rhetoric against immigrants.
- McQuade posits that Trump learned his methods from lawyer Roy Cohn and that his administration prioritizes subservience over competence.
- The author offers a roadmap for citizens to fight back against what she describes as the erosion of democracy, citing the effectiveness of sustained, peaceful protest.
- McQuade urges the political opposition to forge alliances beyond partisan bases and focus on common issues to govern for the majority.
- The book suggests that authoritarianism is a 'house of cards' that can collapse if citizens actively reclaim their democracy through civic engagement and by running for office.