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Taking Down Trump: 12 Rules for Prosecuting Donald Trump by Someone Who Did It Successfully
A former prosecutor provides an essential guide to ensuring that Donald Trump — and other oligarchs of his ilk — no longer beat the rap and face serious jail time for their crimes.
For a half-century Donald Trump has evaded justice. Now he finally faces trials for his lies, cons, and misdeeds – but many fear Trump will never face any real consequences.
Can prosecutors and litigants ever hold the powerful accountable? Or is our system so broken that some people are now above the law?
In TAKING DOWN TRUMP Tristan Snell argues that Donald Trump can be defeated — and shares the secrets for how to beat him.
This is the first book ever from a prosecutor who defeated Snell led the prosecution of Trump University, resulting in a game-changing $25 million settlement that was Trump’s first major legal loss and still the largest ever, getting thousands of victims their money back.
Here you’ll learn the 12 rules for how to beat Trump — and how some prosecutors and litigators are following this playbook, while others failed,
- How can voters and activists hold prosecutors accountable?
- How do you persevere against all the stonewalling and counterattacks?
- How do you get a key figure to cooperate and cough up critical evidence? Snell faced this problem with Trump University, but with one question, he got the evidence and broke open the case. How did he do it?
Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a lawyer or prosecutor, or an activist or advocate, Snell shows how America’s systems can still work to bring even the richest and most powerful to justice, and why those systems are worth preserving and improving. Ultimately, this is a roadmap for how America can begin to escape Trump’s wilderness of fraud and fascism.
For a half-century Donald Trump has evaded justice. Now he finally faces trials for his lies, cons, and misdeeds – but many fear Trump will never face any real consequences.
Can prosecutors and litigants ever hold the powerful accountable? Or is our system so broken that some people are now above the law?
In TAKING DOWN TRUMP Tristan Snell argues that Donald Trump can be defeated — and shares the secrets for how to beat him.
This is the first book ever from a prosecutor who defeated Snell led the prosecution of Trump University, resulting in a game-changing $25 million settlement that was Trump’s first major legal loss and still the largest ever, getting thousands of victims their money back.
Here you’ll learn the 12 rules for how to beat Trump — and how some prosecutors and litigators are following this playbook, while others failed,
- How can voters and activists hold prosecutors accountable?
- How do you persevere against all the stonewalling and counterattacks?
- How do you get a key figure to cooperate and cough up critical evidence? Snell faced this problem with Trump University, but with one question, he got the evidence and broke open the case. How did he do it?
Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a lawyer or prosecutor, or an activist or advocate, Snell shows how America’s systems can still work to bring even the richest and most powerful to justice, and why those systems are worth preserving and improving. Ultimately, this is a roadmap for how America can begin to escape Trump’s wilderness of fraud and fascism.
- GenresNonfictionPoliticsLaw
208 pages, Hardcover
Published January 30, 2024
56 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Tristan Snell
1 book8 followersTristan Snell is a lawyer and legal commentator featured on MSNBC and CNN, and in the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal.
He served as Assistant Attorney General for New York State, where he led the investigation and prosecution of Trump University.
Today he’s the founder and managing partner of MainStreet.Law, and a commentator with over 700,000 followers across Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and Twitter. He lives in New York City.
He served as Assistant Attorney General for New York State, where he led the investigation and prosecution of Trump University.
Today he’s the founder and managing partner of MainStreet.Law, and a commentator with over 700,000 followers across Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and Twitter. He lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 19, 2023
People who still support Trump are insistent that Trump is a poor innocent man who is only being picked on because he's running for president again, but this book details how Trump has been committing crimes for years while underworked government workers try to hold him accountable. Trump already suffered some losses in court, and this book explains some successful strategies to continue to hold Trump accountable for his actions.
The Trump family has no shame and has been cheating people for decades. Trump has openly and proudly bragged about some of his practices where he cheats the people he's supposed to be doing business with, while his supporters laugh and believe he would never do that to THEM.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
The Trump family has no shame and has been cheating people for decades. Trump has openly and proudly bragged about some of his practices where he cheats the people he's supposed to be doing business with, while his supporters laugh and believe he would never do that to THEM.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
November 26, 2023
Tristan Snell, Taking Down Trump 12 Rules for Prosecuting Donald Trump by Someone Who Did It Successfully, Melville House Publishing Melville House, January 2024.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
As I read the headlines about former president Donald Trump fulminating against the courts, the cases in the courts and the personnel involved, the impact it has on his followers and the death threats to judges and court officials I am pleased to be reading Tristan Snell’s optimistic approach to a similar situation in his book, Taking Down Trump.
Snell was the Assistant Attorney General for New York who prosecuted Donal Trump for defrauding Trump University students in 2018. He also refers to the limited egregiously limited success in an earlier case where systematic racial discrimination prevented Black Americans becoming tenants in apartments owned by Trump. Partial success won (although the students did win back most of their fees under the $25 million settlement made by Trump despite his protestations that he would not settle) is less than those who challenged him deserved. However, Snell’s account of the obstacles facing anyone encountering Donald Trump in an attempt to win a legal case is instructive – surmounting the challenges in the Trump playbook is not a given. It takes honesty, resilience, courage and knowledge of the law. Snell had all of these. The judges and officials now under fire from Trump are in this situation because they also have these qualities.
As Snell suggests, it is not unusual for the Trump to benefit from those in power, including from the role of donations in the success of those standing for office, filing his own countersuits and attacking witnesses and lawyers opposed to them…familiar? The twelve rules Snell proposes demonstrate the familiarity of this conduct, and other ways in which Trump outmanoeuvres the law, while stating clearly how to overcome such obstacles. The first rule is that the leadership in a case involving Trump must be determined and committed, from the top. In addition, political incentives in favour of intervention need to be tilted in favour of doing so. Part 11 covers the rules needed to ensure that the investigation proceeds. One chapter title that will be familiar to those who follow American politics, is ‘Trump is incapable of being quiet’. Part 111 offers advice about being public about the case, ensuring it is flawless; and advice to ignore the noise and Trump’s hostile reactions. In short, to achieve any modicum of success, those challenging Trump must maintain control over their counterreactions.
The Epilogue recognises the concerns expressed by observers, provides some information about the way in which current cases demonstrate an awareness of the Trump playbook and methods of dealing with this behaviour and also notes some of the mistakes Trump’s lawyers have made. Here the time taken to bring cases forward is dissected briefly – suggesting that delays have included prosecutors’ need to familiarise themselves with the Trump pattern of dealing with litigation.
This is an important book, offering as it does some optimism about the way in which the law might eventually treat such a powerful person. It is also easy to read. Partly this is because the information is so provocative, but also because of the way in which Snell makes his case – clearly and succinctly, while providing plenty of information for the non-legal reader to understand. Taking Down Trump is a timely book, and well worth reading.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
As I read the headlines about former president Donald Trump fulminating against the courts, the cases in the courts and the personnel involved, the impact it has on his followers and the death threats to judges and court officials I am pleased to be reading Tristan Snell’s optimistic approach to a similar situation in his book, Taking Down Trump.
Snell was the Assistant Attorney General for New York who prosecuted Donal Trump for defrauding Trump University students in 2018. He also refers to the limited egregiously limited success in an earlier case where systematic racial discrimination prevented Black Americans becoming tenants in apartments owned by Trump. Partial success won (although the students did win back most of their fees under the $25 million settlement made by Trump despite his protestations that he would not settle) is less than those who challenged him deserved. However, Snell’s account of the obstacles facing anyone encountering Donald Trump in an attempt to win a legal case is instructive – surmounting the challenges in the Trump playbook is not a given. It takes honesty, resilience, courage and knowledge of the law. Snell had all of these. The judges and officials now under fire from Trump are in this situation because they also have these qualities.
As Snell suggests, it is not unusual for the Trump to benefit from those in power, including from the role of donations in the success of those standing for office, filing his own countersuits and attacking witnesses and lawyers opposed to them…familiar? The twelve rules Snell proposes demonstrate the familiarity of this conduct, and other ways in which Trump outmanoeuvres the law, while stating clearly how to overcome such obstacles. The first rule is that the leadership in a case involving Trump must be determined and committed, from the top. In addition, political incentives in favour of intervention need to be tilted in favour of doing so. Part 11 covers the rules needed to ensure that the investigation proceeds. One chapter title that will be familiar to those who follow American politics, is ‘Trump is incapable of being quiet’. Part 111 offers advice about being public about the case, ensuring it is flawless; and advice to ignore the noise and Trump’s hostile reactions. In short, to achieve any modicum of success, those challenging Trump must maintain control over their counterreactions.
The Epilogue recognises the concerns expressed by observers, provides some information about the way in which current cases demonstrate an awareness of the Trump playbook and methods of dealing with this behaviour and also notes some of the mistakes Trump’s lawyers have made. Here the time taken to bring cases forward is dissected briefly – suggesting that delays have included prosecutors’ need to familiarise themselves with the Trump pattern of dealing with litigation.
This is an important book, offering as it does some optimism about the way in which the law might eventually treat such a powerful person. It is also easy to read. Partly this is because the information is so provocative, but also because of the way in which Snell makes his case – clearly and succinctly, while providing plenty of information for the non-legal reader to understand. Taking Down Trump is a timely book, and well worth reading.
February 13, 2024
Pulls exactly zero punches, which is refreshing. Trump aside, it's a good guide for dealing with bullies in a courtroom setting. As a litigator for 30 years, there are plenty of good tips for dealing with aggressive people who try to turn the system to their advantage unfairly, and plenty of good management dos and don'ts.
January 30, 2024
The Publisher Says: A former prosecutor provides an essential guide to ensuring that Donald Trump—and other oligarchs of his ilk—no longer beat the rap and face serious jail time for their crimes.
For a half-century Donald Trump has evaded justice. Now he finally faces trials for his lies, cons, and misdeeds—but many fear Trump will never face any real consequences. Can prosecutors and litigants ever hold the powerful accountable? Or is our system so broken that some people are now above the law?
In TAKING DOWN TRUMP Tristan Snell argues that Donald Trump can be defeated—and shares the secrets for how to beat him.This is the first book ever from a prosecutor who defeated Snell led the prosecution of Trump University, resulting in a game-changing $25 million settlement that was Trump’s first major legal loss and still the largest ever, getting thousands of victims their money back.
Here you’ll learn the 12 rules for how to beat Trump—and how some prosecutors and litigators are following this playbook, while others failed, can voters and activists hold prosecutors accountable? How do you persevere against all the stonewalling and counterattacks? How do you get a key figure to cooperate and cough up critical evidence?
Snell faced this problem with Trump University, but with one question, he got the evidence and broke open the case. How did he do it? Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a lawyer or prosecutor, or an activist or advocate, Snell shows how America’s systems can still work to bring even the richest and most powerful to justice, and why those systems are worth preserving and improving. Ultimately, this is a roadmap for how America can begin to escape Trump’s wilderness of fraud and fascism.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I have seldom wanted to read a book more than I wanted to read this one. It is no secret that, since 2016, I have opposed 45 and his MAGAt cultists being in power, dismantling and corrupting the systems of justice...flawed as they unquestionably are...in pursuit of permanent power for their repugnant, regressive, evil system of oligarchic fascism.
What I hoped to find was a source of hope for our collective future. What I got was a roadmap for getting to the better, more just future I believe we all deserve. So this read overdelivered on my expectations.
The rules themselves are not so much the focus of the read, for me personally, anyway. I needed this read as a reminder that, in spite of triumphalist media coverage (The New York Times newsletter last week headlining what 45’s second-term agenda *is*, not would be, is my latest example), there are those in position to defeat the horrible wretch at his con-man worst, using legal, honest, above-board means to do it.
At every step, every rule, I paused to appreciate Author Snell’s clarity, concision, and fervor. No words wasted in self-congratulation. No fancy rhetorical flourishes to show off his cleverness. The author must, of necessity, throw at you a large legal vocabulary. No one can tell this story without doing that very thing. What he does is explain it as we go along: Simple, direct prose clarifications, telling what his methods were that he used to hand the rotter whose vile education scam he took down entirely his first-ever serious, consequential legal defeat. I was blissed out as I read his repeatable roadmap to defeating the entire edifice of illegality that prior prosecutors had failed to do.
Since it worked before, I am heartened when I see similar steps being taken now by other prosecutors. I cringe when I see evidence that they have fallen into the traps Author Snell points out. I pray like Hell that this book, or at least its ideas, have made it onto the radar of each and every prosecutor pursuig justice against 45 and his MAGAt followers in each and every dark, unswept corner of US democracy where we know they are.
As citizens and as readers, we should all take in these clear-eyed, aphorism-ready rules, and run with them...most especially Rule #6, Play the Long Game: Fight the Fight on Statutes of Limitations. The analysis of the largely successful strategy 45 has used to run down the clock on everything he possibly can, can be fought. Author Snell explains how.
This information should be of interest to all of us as we watch the same playbook being used right this minute. It should also be of interest to all of us who resist the status quo as abused by the very rich and very powerful to get their profits ever higher. The techniques Author Snell used are repeatable, expandable, and very usable in all our advocacy efforts.
I know most do not like to think about hard subjects, but they will be there whether one thinks about them or not. The question you can affect is not whether they are there, but how you can best resolve, or partly resolve, or contribute to resolving them. Reading TAKING DOWN TRUMP: 12 Rules for Prosecuting Donald Trump by Someone Who Did It Successfully will equip you to make a positive contribution to resolving them, not merely enduring the results of inattention and inaction.
For a half-century Donald Trump has evaded justice. Now he finally faces trials for his lies, cons, and misdeeds—but many fear Trump will never face any real consequences. Can prosecutors and litigants ever hold the powerful accountable? Or is our system so broken that some people are now above the law?
In TAKING DOWN TRUMP Tristan Snell argues that Donald Trump can be defeated—and shares the secrets for how to beat him.This is the first book ever from a prosecutor who defeated Snell led the prosecution of Trump University, resulting in a game-changing $25 million settlement that was Trump’s first major legal loss and still the largest ever, getting thousands of victims their money back.
Here you’ll learn the 12 rules for how to beat Trump—and how some prosecutors and litigators are following this playbook, while others failed, can voters and activists hold prosecutors accountable? How do you persevere against all the stonewalling and counterattacks? How do you get a key figure to cooperate and cough up critical evidence?
Snell faced this problem with Trump University, but with one question, he got the evidence and broke open the case. How did he do it? Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a lawyer or prosecutor, or an activist or advocate, Snell shows how America’s systems can still work to bring even the richest and most powerful to justice, and why those systems are worth preserving and improving. Ultimately, this is a roadmap for how America can begin to escape Trump’s wilderness of fraud and fascism.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I have seldom wanted to read a book more than I wanted to read this one. It is no secret that, since 2016, I have opposed 45 and his MAGAt cultists being in power, dismantling and corrupting the systems of justice...flawed as they unquestionably are...in pursuit of permanent power for their repugnant, regressive, evil system of oligarchic fascism.
What I hoped to find was a source of hope for our collective future. What I got was a roadmap for getting to the better, more just future I believe we all deserve. So this read overdelivered on my expectations.
The rules themselves are not so much the focus of the read, for me personally, anyway. I needed this read as a reminder that, in spite of triumphalist media coverage (The New York Times newsletter last week headlining what 45’s second-term agenda *is*, not would be, is my latest example), there are those in position to defeat the horrible wretch at his con-man worst, using legal, honest, above-board means to do it.
At every step, every rule, I paused to appreciate Author Snell’s clarity, concision, and fervor. No words wasted in self-congratulation. No fancy rhetorical flourishes to show off his cleverness. The author must, of necessity, throw at you a large legal vocabulary. No one can tell this story without doing that very thing. What he does is explain it as we go along: Simple, direct prose clarifications, telling what his methods were that he used to hand the rotter whose vile education scam he took down entirely his first-ever serious, consequential legal defeat. I was blissed out as I read his repeatable roadmap to defeating the entire edifice of illegality that prior prosecutors had failed to do.
Since it worked before, I am heartened when I see similar steps being taken now by other prosecutors. I cringe when I see evidence that they have fallen into the traps Author Snell points out. I pray like Hell that this book, or at least its ideas, have made it onto the radar of each and every prosecutor pursuig justice against 45 and his MAGAt followers in each and every dark, unswept corner of US democracy where we know they are.
As citizens and as readers, we should all take in these clear-eyed, aphorism-ready rules, and run with them...most especially Rule #6, Play the Long Game: Fight the Fight on Statutes of Limitations. The analysis of the largely successful strategy 45 has used to run down the clock on everything he possibly can, can be fought. Author Snell explains how.
This information should be of interest to all of us as we watch the same playbook being used right this minute. It should also be of interest to all of us who resist the status quo as abused by the very rich and very powerful to get their profits ever higher. The techniques Author Snell used are repeatable, expandable, and very usable in all our advocacy efforts.
I know most do not like to think about hard subjects, but they will be there whether one thinks about them or not. The question you can affect is not whether they are there, but how you can best resolve, or partly resolve, or contribute to resolving them. Reading TAKING DOWN TRUMP: 12 Rules for Prosecuting Donald Trump by Someone Who Did It Successfully will equip you to make a positive contribution to resolving them, not merely enduring the results of inattention and inaction.
March 18, 2024
Having finished this book in Nov 2023, the material is fairly up to date (as of March 2024, there's been some movement on the cases he discusses, but even those that have had some resolution are lingering in the appeals and pay-up process). It's a pretty quick read, and does provide some of the interesting back story on the Trump University case in particular that I was unaware of. Basically, what we've all known to be true comes through (delay, delay, delay is the name of the game). I found it interesting that the $25 million settlement reached in the Trump case came about because the refusal to even respond to the government's initial offer to settle for $2 million was blatantly ignored by the Trump team, which angered the prosecutor and caused him to go for blood. It still didn't quite add up to the $42 million that Trump defrauded his vendors and customers in the whole Trump University scam, but quite a step up from what he could have paid out. It was helpful to hear some of the reasoning that goes into bringing a case, and the differences between the resources afforded to private law firms compared to the public prosecutors/DAs that are tasked with bringing such important cases to trial (the cases of widespread fraud, now including defrauding the framework of democracy: free and fair elections, and insurrections/rebellions and the mishandling of classified government documents). The author put the time it takes to bring such big cases to trial in perspective; it may seem slow, but given the funding provided to government attorneys it makes sense that the process is not lightning fast.
March 4, 2024
Interesting study. I recommend reading this analysis.
Relatively short...only 182 pages. A bit repetitive, but worth it.
The book focuses on the not-so-simple case of Trump University. Expensive promises were never met. Students paid for unique insight and expertise by carefully selected experts. And received nothing unique, nothing insightful, by non-experts. For which they forked over $30K...$60k for advanced expertise. Probably the most telling of this exercise is the promise to have your photo taken with DJT himself, in person. Which was delivered, but only for a cardboard cutout of DJT.
The heart of the book spells out the not so unique legal techniques needed to rebut Trump's legal maneuvering...and how to counteract those steps. Clearly, Mr. Snell, the lawyer and author, used every technique to win the case.
The author touches on the other cases confronting Mr. Trump (Trump Foundation...he lost, January 6th attacks, Georgia election counting interference, and the secret documents removed to Mar-a-Lago with guidance on how the Justice Department needs to handle these cases.
Most disappointing: cases can be prepared, but then they may get sidelined by senior legal management because they want to protect their chances to advance themselves. This was an early problem with this case, but was resolved when the chances for promotion were quashed.
Relatively short...only 182 pages. A bit repetitive, but worth it.
The book focuses on the not-so-simple case of Trump University. Expensive promises were never met. Students paid for unique insight and expertise by carefully selected experts. And received nothing unique, nothing insightful, by non-experts. For which they forked over $30K...$60k for advanced expertise. Probably the most telling of this exercise is the promise to have your photo taken with DJT himself, in person. Which was delivered, but only for a cardboard cutout of DJT.
The heart of the book spells out the not so unique legal techniques needed to rebut Trump's legal maneuvering...and how to counteract those steps. Clearly, Mr. Snell, the lawyer and author, used every technique to win the case.
The author touches on the other cases confronting Mr. Trump (Trump Foundation...he lost, January 6th attacks, Georgia election counting interference, and the secret documents removed to Mar-a-Lago with guidance on how the Justice Department needs to handle these cases.
Most disappointing: cases can be prepared, but then they may get sidelined by senior legal management because they want to protect their chances to advance themselves. This was an early problem with this case, but was resolved when the chances for promotion were quashed.
April 5, 2024
I started Snell's FANtastic book this morning and pretty much sat and read it straight through. I worked in both public and private sector law and along the way met some pretty brilliant attorneys and am basically an avid law related book reader. Snell has such a great writing voice -- I'd love to see him write some fiction if not tell the story of some of the other cases he worked. While this book is about prosecuting Trump -- the lessons he learned and processes he used, he provides a wonderful roadmap for pursuing any kind of case. He writes in a way that speaks to those of us in the legal profession with guidance and suggestions but at the same time writes that a lay person can understand (and enjoy) the read.
February 17, 2024
Follow the money...follow the lies, a seemingly herculean effort on both counts. With the release of his book, Taking Down Trump, we get to follow the author, Tristan Snell, as he delves into the case that rocked the foundation of the Trump Organization empire. Once thought impervious to serious financial judgements, Mr. Snell gives us a firsthand account of the steps taken to win justice for thousands of former Trump University students as well as a roadmap for future litigation.
A fascinating read you won't want to miss, currently a #1 new release in Amazon's Criminal Procedure category.
A fascinating read you won't want to miss, currently a #1 new release in Amazon's Criminal Procedure category.
January 30, 2024
Finally, a playbook for holding this menace accountable – 'Taking Down Trump' is as enthralling as it is enlightening. Tristan Snell masterfully outlines the robust legal strategies employed to challenge a political juggernaut. The narrative is not only a testament to due process but also serves as a beacon for legal practitioners and citizens alike, emphasizing that justice can prevail. This book is an essential read for those who value democracy and the integrity of the law.
April 17, 2024
Clear, concise and well written. The foundation is built on the tactics used by Snell, then Asst.. Attorney General for New York State responsible for successfully prosecuting the scam perpetrated by Trump University (TU). If not for his hubris and outsized ego Trump might be able to learn something that would benefit his multiple ongoing lawsuits but that ain't gonna happen.
January 30, 2024
“The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in the world is that good men do nothing.” - Tristan Snell has definitely done SOMETHING! This book is filled with hardcore facts and an easy to follow breadcrumb path which ultimately leads us back to true democracy!
January 27, 2024
Excellent book by former NY Asst Attorney General on how his office prevailed in Trump University fraud case, abstracted into 12 rules when bringing a case against Trump.
March 2, 2024
A must read
June 10, 2025
A great look at what was going behind the scenes during the Trump University prosecution. A basic framework to better understand almost all of these cases.
November 29, 2023
Loved, loved, loved this book! The author gives a roadmap of how he took down Donald Trump in court. Holding him accountable for perhaps the very first time in his life. In it, he describes 12 rules for how to beat Trump. He describes all of Trump's tactics, the bullying, the stonewalling, the counter attacks. How to use Trump's weaknesses against him, like his inability to remain quiet. I sincerely hope that Snell has shared this with all of the many prosecutors lined up against Trump in court, today and in the future! I read this in one sitting, being unable to put it down. And then I read it again!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews