NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “This is one of those books that will go down as the seminal work—the determinative work—in this field. . .

. Terrifying.”—Rachel Maddow The first definitive account of the rise and fall of the Secret Service, from the Kennedy assassination to the alarming mismanagement of the Obama and Trump years, right up to the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6—by the Pulitzer Prize winner and #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of A Very Stable Genius and I Alone Can Fix It NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE WASHINGTON POST Carol Leonnig has been reporting on the Secret Service for The Washington Post for most of the last decade, bringing to light the secrets, scandals, and shortcomings that plague the agency today—from a toxic work culture to dangerously outdated equipment to the deep resentment within the ranks at key agency leaders, who put protecting the agency’s once-hallowed image before fixing its flaws. But the Secret Service wasn’t always so troubled.

The Secret Service was born in 1865, in the wake of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, but its story begins in earnest in 1963, with the death of John F. Kennedy. Shocked into reform by its failure to protect the president on that fateful day in Dallas, this once-sleepy agency was radically transformed into an elite, highly trained unit that would redeem itself several times, most famously in 1981 by thwarting an assassination attempt against Ronald Reagan.

But this reputation for courage and excellence would not last forever. By Barack Obama’s presidency, the once-proud Secret Service was running on fumes and beset by mistakes and alarming lapses in judgment: break-ins at the White House, an armed gunman firing into the windows of the residence while confused agents stood by, and a massive prostitution scandal among agents in Cartagena, to name just a few. With Donald Trump’s arrival, a series of promised reforms were cast aside, as a president disdainful of public service instead abused the Secret Service to rack up political and personal gains.

To explore these problems in the ranks, Leonnig interviewed dozens of current and former agents, government officials, and whistleblowers who put their jobs on the line to speak out about a hobbled agency that’s in desperate need of reform. “I will be forever grateful to them for risking their careers,” she writes, “not because they wanted to share tantalizing gossip about presidents and their families, but because they know that the Service is broken and needs fixing. By telling their story, they hope to revive the Service they love.”

"Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service" takes readers on an eye-opening journey through the tumultuous history of the agency tasked with protecting America's most prominent leaders. With incisive reporting and compelling narratives, author Carol Leonnig pulls back the curtain, revealing the agency's internal battles, vulnerabilities, and moments of heroism. This gripping exposé not only sheds light on the Secret Service's storied past but also raises critical questions about its future in an ever-evolving landscape of threats.

Carol Leonnig unveils the Secret Service's internal struggles and vulnerabilities through her compelling narrative. Heroic moments and organizational flaws coalesce, revealing the agency's complicated past and uncertain future. Unprecedented access and interviews offer readers a rare glimpse into the Secret Service's world of protection.

Carol Leonnig\'s "Zero Fail" is an insightful exploration into the Secret Service\'s storied past and present challenges. Through comprehensive research and insider accounts the book delves into key incidents that shaped the agency. This dynamic narrative reflects the resilience and courage displayed by agents while also highlighting the bureaucratic mishaps that undermine their mission.\\ \nLeonnig intricately weaves personal stories with historical events presenting a panoramic view of the Secret Service\'s evolution.

From presidential administrations to critical security lapses she navigates the thin line between triumphs and failures. The book raises questions about the adequacy of current security measures in the face of emerging threats.\\ \nThe fusion of in-depth interviews and unforeseen revelations makes this exposé a compelling read for those intrigued by history and politics. As readers navigate each chapter they uncover the layered complexities of an agency burdened with significant responsibility yet faced with profound pressure.\\ \nThe narrative\'s strength lies in its ability to engage readers while examining crucial themes like leadership failure resource constraints and institutional overhaul.

Through a balanced presentation Leonnig affords readers the opportunity to draw informed conclusions about the future of national security. "Zero Fail" is not just the story of the Secret Service; it\'s a reflection on the ever-present challenge of safeguarding democracy.

What sets "Zero Fail" apart is its unparalleled access to key personnel and confidential sources within the agency Carol Leonnig captivates readers by presenting unvarnished truths drawn from candid interviews with former and current agents \\ \nThe depth of Leonnig's research is evident as she meticulously blends the personal and professional aspects of being a Secret Service agent Her nuanced narrative offers readers a holistic view of both the agency\'s resilience and its areas of vulnerability.\\ \n"Zero Fail" impeccably balances historical context with present-day implications leading readers through a thrilling investigation of an agency intertwined with America\'s identity This book's raw honesty and thorough exploration offer an unparalleled contribution to understanding governmental challenges.