Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy

Katherine Stewart examines why many Americans have turned against democracy in this reported work. Through visits to conferences of conspiracy theorists, strategy meetings, and extremist churches, she profiles individuals seeking to undermine democratic institutions. The book introduces reactionary Catholic activists, atheist billionaires, pseudo-Platonist intellectuals, self-proclaimed religious figures, followers of Ayn Rand, opponents of what they call "the gynocracy," pronatalists concerned about declining white birth rates, Covid skeptics, militia members presenting themselves as concerned parents, and those creating new religious movements while attacking democracy's foundations. Stewart provides analysis of the authoritarian reaction in the United States, demonstrating that the movement comprises several distinct constituencies with different and often conflicting goals. Her reporting and political analysis reframe discussions about conservatism's moral direction in America and offer perspective on paths toward a democratic future.