The Fifth Risk

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"The election happened," recalls Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, then deputy secretary of the Department of Energy. "And then there was radio silence." Across various departments, similar narratives unfolded: Trump appointees were scarce, and those who arrived often lacked basic knowledge about their roles. Some even discarded prepared briefing materials. Michael Lewis explores a government under siege by its own leadership. At Agriculture, crucial programs like food stamps and school lunches face severe budget cuts. The Commerce Department risks insufficient staffing for the 2020 Census. In Energy, the management of international nuclear risks is jeopardized by a potential shortage of inspectors to track black market uranium, posing a threat of terrorism. Willful ignorance contributes to these impending crises. When the goal is short-term gain, understanding long-term consequences becomes inconvenient. To avoid grappling with complex issues, some choose ignorance. Yet, amidst the dangerous incompetence, there are unsung heroes—dedicated public servants whose expertise and commitment sustain the system. Lewis highlights these individuals and probes their concerns, revealing the resilience that keeps the government functioning despite the challenges it faces.