NPR

Bob Woodward: 'Great Washington Denial Machine' Driven By Politics, Not Truth

The veteran journalist stands behind the reporting in his new book, Fear, and says that administration officials who have denied quotes attributed to them are acting out of "political necessity."
Bob Woodward speaks at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., in 2012, during an event marking the 40th anniversary of Watergate. Woodward's new book describes chaos within the Trump administration.

Updated at 11:35 a.m. ET

Bob Woodward, the author of an explosive new portrayal of President Trump's White House, tells NPR that administration officials are denying his account out of "political necessity."

In his book Fear, which comes out Tuesday, Woodward describes Trump behaving erratically and impulsively, even on significant issues of national security, and insulting some of his senior officials.

President Trump has repeatedly denounced Woodward's book, calling the veteran journalist an "idiot" and his

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min read
A Hidden Danger In Gaza; A Haitian Gang Leader Speaks Up
Even if Israel and Gaza agree to a cease-fire, unexploded ordnance could continue to kill and maim Palestinians in Gaza for years. A Haitian gang leader says he's ready for a long fight.
NPR2 min read
Flash Floods Have Killed More Than 300 People In Afghanistan
Floods from heavy seasonal rains have destroyed over 1,000 houses, the U.N. food agency said. A U.N. official said the floods are a reminder of Afghanistan's vulnerability to the climate crisis.
NPR2 min readCrime & Violence
Federal Prosecutors Request 40-year Sentence For Man Who Attacked Pelosi's Husband
Prosecutors are asking a judge to impose a 40-year prison sentence for the man who broke into ex-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's home seeking to hold her hostage and attacked her husband.

Related Books & Audiobooks