A new book exposes how American leaders prioritized self-interest over civic duty during the Trump era. Jacob Weisberg’s analysis reveals the calculated decisions behind elite accommodations.
Jacob Weisberg’s new book, Profiles in Cowardice, takes a close look at how prominent American leaders responded to the Trump presidency. Instead of celebrating acts of courage, Weisberg focuses on the choices made by those in power who put personal or institutional interests ahead of public responsibility. The title nods to John F. Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage, but here, the spotlight is on self-preservation and the quiet calculations that shaped elite behavior during a turbulent period.
The book expands its critique beyond individual cases, profiling figures such as Jeff Bezos, Stephen Schwarzman, and Mitch McConnell to illustrate a broader network of elite compromises during the Trump era.
The book has drawn attention from media insiders. Tina Brown, a longtime observer, calls Weisberg’s work a revealing look at how establishment figures justify their choices. She points out how the book captures the subtle ways influential people become, as she puts it, "creatures of expedience." For those working in publishing and media, the book is a reminder of the pressures that can shape editorial and institutional decisions during political upheaval.
According to the publisher’s official description, Weisberg’s book argues that authoritarianism often takes root not through the outright destruction of institutions, but through their internal bending and intimidation-driven by fear, ambition, and self-preservation. The book is set for release on September 17, 2026, and spans 320 pages, reflecting its comprehensive approach to the subject.
Weisberg’s book arrives at a moment when the media and publishing world is still reckoning with the choices made during the Trump years. It asks leaders to consider the real costs of expedience and the dangers of sacrificing institutional integrity for short-term advantage. For content professionals, the message is straightforward: lasting audience trust and business health depend on principled decisions, even when it would be easier to go along. The book’s critique is a call for renewed commitment to editorial independence and ethical leadership across the industry.
