Michael Lewis traces the 'gutting of the civil service' under Trump

Michael Lewis discusses his book 'The 5th Risk', highlighting the critical roles of federal agencies in managing unseen risks. He critiques the Trump administration's transition process and its impact on government operations, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership. Lewis also addresses the removal of crucial data and the need for transparency, warning of the long-term consequences of neglecting government functions.

What is the primary focus of Michael Lewis's book 'The 5th Risk'?

• The financial crisis of 2008

• The risks managed by federal agencies

• The life of a famous politician

• The history of the United States

What is a significant risk mentioned in 'The 5th Risk' that federal agencies manage?

• Celebrity scandals

• Internet outages

• Traffic congestion

• Severe malnutrition in children

What was the expected procedure for the transition between the Obama and Trump administrations?

• Immediate replacement of all staff

• Nine months of preparation and briefings

• A public debate between administrations

• No transition process

How did the Trump administration's lack of engagement affect the transition process?

• It led to a lack of understanding of agency functions

• It resulted in immediate improvements

• It was smooth and efficient

• It had no impact

What issue does Michael Lewis highlight with the appointment of new officials in federal agencies?

• They were all scientists

• They were from foreign countries

• They were all highly qualified

• They were often unqualified loyalists

What is a theme that runs through the Trump administration according to Michael Lewis?

• Replacing experts with loyalists

• Focusing on international relations

• Increasing government funding

• Promoting scientific research

What percentage of top career civil servants left or were fired in the first year of the Trump administration?

• 40%

• 30%

• 20%

• 10%

What is the impact of the departure of career civil servants on the government?

• More public trust

• A gutting of the civil service

• Increased knowledge

• Improved efficiency

Why is government data considered crucial according to Michael Lewis?

• It is easily replaceable

• It is the basis for many private sector decisions

• It is irrelevant to most policies

• It is only used for historical records

What was one of the consequences of the Trump administration's approach to government data?

• Creation of new data sets

• More public access to data

• Removal of important reports

• Increased transparency