Sources & Methods Insiders reveal 'wrecking ball' at Trump's DOJ: how two reporters got the scoop
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Nov 10, 2025 
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Carol Leonnig and Aaron C. Davis dive into their book, exposing the slow response of the Department of Justice to Trump's election interference attempts. They share how they secured insider insights by appealing to a sense of duty. Surprising findings are revealed, including the delayed investigations and challenges faced by Jack Smith. The duo discusses the impact of a weakened DOJ on national security and rule of law, emphasizing the continued perseverance of local U.S. attorneys despite overarching concerns.
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Tip That Sparked The Investigation
- Carol Leonnig recounts getting a tip in September 2023 about delays in investigating Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
- That tip led them to discover the investigation only truly began 15 months after a December 2020 warning.
Sherwin's January 7 Promise
- Aaron Davis describes Michael Sherwin's January 7 press remarks promising investigators would look at "anybody" involved.
- That immediate public promise contrasted with the slow DOJ follow-up over the following year.
Noble Intentions, Cautious Consequences
- Carol Leonnig explains Merrick Garland came in with a commitment to restore DOJ independence and avoid the appearance of partisanship.
- Those noble intentions, she argues, produced cautious decisions that had consequential delays.
