📖 Overview
David Cay Johnston is an investigative journalist and author known for his coverage of tax and economic issues, particularly focusing on corporate and government financial matters. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Beat Reporting for his investigations of U.S. tax loopholes and inequities.
As a former New York Times reporter and frequent contributor to various media outlets, Johnston has written extensively about Donald Trump, publishing several books on the subject including "The Making of Donald Trump" (2016) and "It's Even Worse Than You Think" (2018). His coverage of Trump's business dealings and financial practices spans more than three decades.
Johnston has authored multiple books examining economic inequality and taxation in America, including "Perfectly Legal" (2003) and "Free Lunch" (2007). His writing style combines detailed investigative reporting with clear explanations of complex financial and tax matters for general audiences.
The author currently serves as editor-in-chief of DCReport.org, a news organization focused on covering the U.S. federal government. He frequently appears as a commentator on economic and tax policy issues across various media platforms and lectures at law schools and other academic institutions.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Johnston's ability to break down complex financial and tax concepts into understandable terms. Many reviews highlight his detailed research and documentation, with readers noting specific revelations about tax loopholes and corporate subsidies. His Trump-focused books draw particular attention for presenting documented facts rather than speculation.
Common criticisms include Johnston's writing being too dense with numbers and statistics. Some readers find his tone negative or partisan, particularly in his Trump coverage. Several reviews mention the books could benefit from more narrative flow and fewer technical details.
Ratings across platforms:
- "The Making of Donald Trump": 4.0/5 on Goodreads (3,800+ ratings), 4.4/5 on Amazon
- "Perfectly Legal": 4.3/5 on Goodreads (1,100+ ratings), 4.5/5 on Amazon
- "Free Lunch": 4.1/5 on Goodreads (900+ ratings), 4.3/5 on Amazon
- "It's Even Worse Than You Think": 4.2/5 on Goodreads (2,200+ ratings), 4.5/5 on Amazon
Reader quote: "Makes complex financial schemes comprehensible without oversimplifying" - Amazon reviewer
📚 Books by David Cay Johnston
The Making of Donald Trump (2016)
An investigative examination of Donald Trump's business practices, relationships, and rise to prominence based on 30 years of reporting and documentation.
It's Even Worse Than You Think: What the Trump Administration Is Doing to America (2018) A detailed analysis of policy changes and administrative actions during Trump's presidency and their impacts on American governance.
Free Lunch: How the Wealthiest Americans Enrich Themselves at Government Expense (2007) An examination of how wealthy individuals and corporations benefit from government subsidies and specialized tax breaks.
Perfectly Legal: The Covert Campaign to Rig Our Tax System to Benefit the Super Rich - and Cheat Everybody Else (2003) A comprehensive look at the U.S. tax system and how it has been shaped to favor wealthy Americans.
The Fine Print: How Big Companies Use "Plain English" to Rob You Blind (2012) An investigation into how corporations use complex contracts and fine print to extract additional profits from consumers.
Temples of Chance: How America Inc. Bought Out Murder Inc. to Win Control of the Casino Business (1992) A historical account of how corporate America transformed the gambling industry from mob-controlled operations to legitimate business enterprises.
It's Even Worse Than You Think: What the Trump Administration Is Doing to America (2018) A detailed analysis of policy changes and administrative actions during Trump's presidency and their impacts on American governance.
Free Lunch: How the Wealthiest Americans Enrich Themselves at Government Expense (2007) An examination of how wealthy individuals and corporations benefit from government subsidies and specialized tax breaks.
Perfectly Legal: The Covert Campaign to Rig Our Tax System to Benefit the Super Rich - and Cheat Everybody Else (2003) A comprehensive look at the U.S. tax system and how it has been shaped to favor wealthy Americans.
The Fine Print: How Big Companies Use "Plain English" to Rob You Blind (2012) An investigation into how corporations use complex contracts and fine print to extract additional profits from consumers.
Temples of Chance: How America Inc. Bought Out Murder Inc. to Win Control of the Casino Business (1992) A historical account of how corporate America transformed the gambling industry from mob-controlled operations to legitimate business enterprises.
👥 Similar authors
Michael Lewis focuses on financial systems and economic inequalities through investigative reporting that reveals complex structures. His books like "The Big Short" and "Flash Boys" expose Wall Street practices and market manipulation similar to Johnston's examination of financial systems.
Jane Mayer investigates money in politics and corporate influence through deep reporting on hidden power structures. Her work in "Dark Money" and other investigations parallels Johnston's focus on exposing financial and political connections.
Matt Taibbi reports on financial institutions and government oversight with detailed analysis of systemic issues. His coverage of Wall Street and corporate America in "Griftopia" and "The Divide" mirrors Johnston's approach to explaining complex financial matters.
Bethany McLean uncovers corporate fraud and financial misconduct through extensive documentary research and source development. Her work on Enron in "The Smartest Guys in the Room" and other financial investigations shares Johnston's focus on exposing corporate malfeasance.
Jesse Eisinger examines financial regulation and corporate accountability through investigation of government oversight and business practices. His book "The Chickenshit Club" investigates why prosecutors fail to pursue corporate criminals, similar to Johnston's work on systemic financial issues.
Jane Mayer investigates money in politics and corporate influence through deep reporting on hidden power structures. Her work in "Dark Money" and other investigations parallels Johnston's focus on exposing financial and political connections.
Matt Taibbi reports on financial institutions and government oversight with detailed analysis of systemic issues. His coverage of Wall Street and corporate America in "Griftopia" and "The Divide" mirrors Johnston's approach to explaining complex financial matters.
Bethany McLean uncovers corporate fraud and financial misconduct through extensive documentary research and source development. Her work on Enron in "The Smartest Guys in the Room" and other financial investigations shares Johnston's focus on exposing corporate malfeasance.
Jesse Eisinger examines financial regulation and corporate accountability through investigation of government oversight and business practices. His book "The Chickenshit Club" investigates why prosecutors fail to pursue corporate criminals, similar to Johnston's work on systemic financial issues.