Dragon on Centre Street

The Definitive Account of the Trump Trial. Your behind-the-scenes look at the historic showdown between President Donald Trump and the criminal justice system, told through the eyes of the journalist who was in the courtroom each day, capturing every dramatic twist and turn. A panoramic New York thriller unlike any other. "A drama for the ages . . . [Dragon on Centre Street] captures the personalities that filled the corridors of the courthouse and the streets around it. Insightful—at times, withering . . . gives Trump his due." —The Guardian "Bromwich takes readers through nail-biting stakeouts waiting for grand jury indictments, the grueling monotony of jury selection, and the salacious testimony . . . a unique time capsule of a moment when Trump was just another defendant in the criminal justice system." —Publishers Weekly "A vivid, engrossing chronicle. . . a handful of New York City prosecutors and reporters doing their tough, old-fashioned jobs exposing an old-fashioned New York City crook." —Kurt Andersen, author of Fantasyland and Evil Geniuses In the spring of 2024, former President Trump, flanked by his band of loyal supporters, was shuttled daily into a gloomy Manhattan courtroom to face a trial with monumental stakes — for him, and for the country. Inside, a cast of larger-than-life characters awaited: tabloid impresario David Pecker; mess-making "fixer" Michael Cohen; counterpunching porn star Stormy Daniels; an enigmatic district attorney and the no-nonsense judge tasked with keeping the trial moving—and bringing Trump to heel. Each played a crucial part in a high-stakes legal drama with remarkable repercussions for American politics in the year of a historic election. New York Times journalist Jonah Bromwich was there, capturing every moment—from the streets to the courtroom, to the back-office maneuvering. His daily reports gripped a global audience. Now, armed with new reporting and insider knowledge, Bromwich delivers the definitive account of this stranger-than-fiction showdown on Centre Street. Dragon on Centre Street is a gripping, absurd, and outrageous story of power, attention, and America's future. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand this defining moment in history—and a political drama so wild, you'll have to remind yourself it's all true. “Diligent work . . . A detailed look at a landmark court case.” — Kirkus Reviews

Jonah E. Bromwich, a reporter for The New York Times, has covered Manhattan’s criminal justice system for years. He was a lead reporter on Trump’s criminal trial, reporting live from the courtroom for more than a month. Jonah has covered a number of major legal stories for the Metro desk, including multiple trials involving President Trump, the downfall of Governor Andrew Cuomo, and the chaos on Rikers Island. Previously, Jonah worked for the Style section, reporting on cultural change brought about by social media and celebrity culture. A native of Washington, DC, he studied at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and joined The Times in 2012