From Vanity Fair · David Baldacci · · 1m 50s
Rule of Law Under Threat
Three authors warn Trump's attacks on courts risk America's death sentence.
In brief
Three authors warn Trump's attacks on courts risk America's death sentence. Authors Baldacci, Grisham, and Turow warn Trump's disregard for courts could end America's rule of law. Originally reported by Vanity Fair.
Supreme Court Testifies
In July, sitting justices of the US Supreme Court testified at the Capitol for the first time in seven years.
Rule of Law Essential
We are lawyers and novelists who believe respect for the rule of law is essential for a civilized society.
Rule of Law Under Threat
Recent events have drawn us close to the rule of law becoming optional for free democracies.
Trump Attacks Judges
Trump repeatedly demeaned judges, claiming their heritage, religion, or political affiliation compromised legal judgment.
Trump's Legal Defiance
Trump used the Justice Department to prosecute critics, including former FBI director james comey.
Ábrego Garcia Case
Kilmar Armando Ábrego Garcia was deported despite being legally present in the US.
Fired US Attorneys
The Trump administration fired properly appointed US attorneys without cause.
Threats to Judges
Hostile threats to judges have tripled over the past decade, according to chief justice roberts.
Pizza Threats
In 2025, 103 unordered pizza deliveries were sent to judges who ruled against the administration.
Novel Examples
In novels, judges uphold rule of law despite political pressures.
Rule of Law Consequences
Without rule of law, economic decline follows as investors avoid american businesses.
Judicial Independence
Courts must be free from outside influence to maintain judicial independence.
Rule of Law Critical
Ignoring court rulings undermines the rule of law and risks america's future.
What Happens Next
The rule of law must be upheld to prevent america from becoming the opposite of its founding ideals.
The one thing
Authors Baldacci, Grisham, and Turow warn Trump's disregard for courts could end America's rule of law.
