# Rule of Law Under Threat

> Three authors warn Trump's attacks on courts risk America's death sentence.
- Title: Rule of Law Under Threat · Vanity Fair | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: david baldacci, john grisham, scott turow, rule of law, trump administration, supreme court, judicial independence, congress, judicial review, marbury v madison, article iii, federal courts
- Source: Vanity Fair — https://vanityfair.com/story/the-rule-of-law-baldacci-grisham-turow
- Author: David Baldacci
- Published: 2026-11-03T15:07:37.199+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: david baldacci, john grisham, scott turow, rule of law, trump administration, supreme court, judicial independence, congress, judicial review, marbury v madison, article iii, federal courts
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Authors Baldacci, Grisham, and Turow warn Trump's disregard for courts could end America's rule of law.