When You Come at the King: Inside DOJ's Pursuit of the President, from Nixon to Trump

by Elie Honig

For decades, the Department of Justice has appointed Special Counsels to resolve our most difficult, high-stakes cases involving our most powerful politicians. But do these independent legal investigators, who operate at the intersection of politics and the law, lead to more just results?

Federal prosecutors at the United States Department of Justice are fond of saying they treat all criminal cases, and all subjects, “without fear or favor.” But the DOJ’s most explosive, highest-profile criminal investigations and prosecutions have been conducted differently. When the stakes are the highest, DOJ literally operates by a different set of the Special Counsel regulations.

In this hard-hitting analysis, CNN Senior Legal Analyst and bestselling author Elie Honig chronicles the history of  outside prosecutors and the Justice Department’s most consequential political casesHonig offers new insights into the machinations of American government with original reporting, including over 25 on-record interviews with historic figures who worked directly on our most important cases, including prosecutors, defense lawyers, and targets and subjects ofinvestigations by outside prosecutors

Going back to Watergate and the Iran-Contra scandal, through Ken Starr’s investigation of Bill and Hillary Clinton, Honig reveals how the Special Counsel system developed, and why the number of investigations has rapidly risen in recent years. He looks closely into cases involving Robert Mueller, John Durham, Jack Smith, Robert Hur, and others, covering each of the major Special Counsel investigations in modern history, considering them not merely as freestanding prosecutions, but as part of an ongoing historical development.

While each major Special Counsel case rests on its own merits, these investigations collectively test the Justice Department’s foundational policies and principles. In its most dramatic, politically consequential cases, DOJ changes its own practices in ways that are at once both necessary and problematic. The question What would happen if we got rid of the Special Counsel, and  can the system evolve to better serve the call for justice in a constantly-changing political environment?

Genres: History, Politics, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Government

336 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always nice to have a well-written and researched book which totally confirms a personal hypothesis. In this case, Elie Honig completely verifies my assertion that modern politics is a total clown show. His book, When You Come at the King, is an exploration of Department of Justice Special Counsels (the position had different names but I will use this one throughout).

Of course, Honig covers exactly who you think he would. A president whose arrogance allowed him to lie to the American people and then hide behind lawyers and double speak. Yes, Bill Clinton is covered in this book. Oh, that's not who you thought I meant? I'm just kidding. Clearly, I meant Nixon. Haha, nope, maybe I mean Reagan. Biden? What do you mean I still haven't said who you expected? Weird.

Of course, I am making a point here (surprise!). Honig meticulously walks through all the Special Counsels from Nixon to today. If you think this is a one-sided hit job, then you are going to be massively disappointed. All the presidents covered fail to live up the highest ideals we would expect them to embody. (Side note: George W. Bush comes off quite well from this perspective, especially in comparison to the rest.)

At the heart of all of this is the question about the efficacy of the Special Counsel as a position. Each case seems to vary wildly on who gets tabbed, what their orders are, and how it all turns out. Actually, how it turns out is pretty consistent. If a "no name" person gets convicted, then they do some jail time. If the person is high up enough, the president will just pardon them. Getting your cronies out of jail is a very bipartisan activity. Honig also spends a good amount of time on presidential immunity which could fill its own book.

This is an extremely easy read from a prose perspective. Honig is a lawyer by trade, but even the more complicated aspects of the cases are told in simple terms for less legally inclined. He covers a ton of ground in about 300 pages, and it felt like the perfect amount of space to give you details without droning on about legalese.

It is the year 2025 (uuuugh), so I should mention Honig is the senior legal analyst for CNN and thus, people have expectations/preconceptions. While I certainly wouldn't call Honig a fan of Donald Trump, he is dispassionate when discussing the matters of law. (And for the record, Bill Barr is the one who takes the biggest hits in this one.) Honig points out multiple times where Trump and his legal team had solid grounds for their actions and strategies against a rather unfair investigation. If you are willing to leave your politics at the door, I think you will find that this book is excellent, even if you do want to argue some of the finer points with the author.

I mean, he is a lawyer. I'm sure he'd love arguing with you.

(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by the author. All opinions are my own because I am super opinionated.)

[Dixie McIlwraith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Non partisan, readable and informed book.

If the legal history of the administrations from Nixon to Trump interest you you'll enjoy this analysis of the history of prosecutions from Watergate to Trump. My only reservation was the naive last chapter and Honigs solution.

[Matt- History on the Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When You Come At the King by Elie Honig provides a compelling and insightful exploration of the efforts to hold the highest office in the land accountable to the people. The book delves into the evolution of the Special Counsel and its predecessor, the Special Prosecutor, offering a thorough examination of their roles in investigating abuses of power—both real and perceived—that have shaped some of the most consequential decisions in American history.

Honig, a seasoned prosecutor, presents a concise historical overview, focusing on three pivotal 20th-century presidential cases that necessitated the appointment of a Special Prosecutor by law: Watergate, the Iran-Contra affair, and the Ken Starr investigation that led to President Clinton's impeachment. Rather than delivering baseless opinions, Honig provides nuanced insights into how each case was pursued and adjudicated.

The narrative then transitions to the modern era of the Special Counsel, which emerged after the Special Prosecutor law expired in 1999. Honig examines contemporary cases such as the Trump and Biden classified documents investigations, the Trump election interference case, and earlier cases like the Valerie Plame identity leak. Each case is analyzed in detail, with Honig offering a thoughtful critique and proposing a comprehensive restructuring of the Special Counsel regulations.

When You Come At the King is an engaging and highly accessible exploration of an often-overlooked topic, shedding light on how dedicated legal professionals have sought to ensure accountability at the highest levels of government.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written and very informative deep-dive into the investigations of possible illegalities committed by those in the uppermost echelon of government. I found it especially interesting and helpful to have a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the major investigations going back to the Watergate investigation on up to the recent investigations involving election interference and mishandling of classified documents. The author does a good job of assessing how well each Special Counsel did or didn’t perform regarding the basic requirements set forth as the purpose for the investigation. The book concludes with feasible changes in the process to prevent political bias, evasion of accountability, and weaponization. Highly recommend this one.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my quest to understand what is going in my country, I read Elie Honig's latest book. It was okay but not an easy read. Perhaps if I had studied law to better understand I would have given it a higher rating. Nevertheless I'm not sorry I spent the time reading it.

[Mike Green · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like Elie and would love to see more like him in the public space. Knowing enough about the recent IG cases to spot lots of one sided omissions I doubt the telling of the other cases. ie baker text, immunity in diversion agreement………. Basically this book isn’t too useful unless you already know the subject.

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous read. I've enjoyed Honig's commentary and prior reading. He lays information out so that a lay person understands, but doesn't talk down to those who work in the legal field. You can easily see what he was like as an attorney -- assessing the facts, presenting them and coming to a conclusion. He pays attribution to those who contributed to the book via their interviews, maintained confidential sources. He covers the major Special and Independent counsels since Nixon -- what they did right -- not just according to Honig but what those who were there had to say along with how history played out since. At the beginning he provides a check list of elements that come to bear with a special or independent counsel and then at the end of each chapter lays out how those elements played out in the end. His final chapter offers solutions and conclusions. A fabulous, educational read that every high school and law student needs to read.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging and well-written deep dive into the various special counsel/independent counsel investigations in American history and the evolving legislative framework. I appreciate Elie's perspective. He is very wary of providing his political opinion generally but he does call out what he sees as plainly wrong regardless of political party. We attended his book tour (in his hometown) and I enjoyed his anecdotes and the discussion.

[Kristin R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written brief overview that looks into our history of special investigations of our Presidents. Some aspects of our policies need to be addressed and mistakes have been made, hopefully the future will bring some positive changes to this process to make it less political. Very thought provoking and easy to read. The depth of people the author spoke to is impressive. I was lucky enough to hear him speak about the book and it was a great discussion.

[Kenny Schwarz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed with this book! Honig has compiled a very thorough and balanced history of special prosecutor investigations, examined them through thoughtful and consistent criteria and produced an impressive book. Given that Honig is a prominent media personality on CNN with a hard critical tone of the current administration, I expected his analysis to be book to be somewhat unbalanced. However, I found his analysis to be reasonable and fair-minded when it came to examinations of people like Robert Bork, Jim Comey, and Jack Smith.

In all these profiles, Honig faces both praise and criticism where it is due, and does so in an engaging manner. This book gets Hugh praise from me, and well-earns a five-star rating!

[Eric Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job in detailing the history of Special Counsel in a thorough and interesting fashion as well as making recommendations for how that law can be improved. Hopefully rule-makers are also readers!

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief and concise legal history of investigations into Presidents. It was mostly non-partisan, and helpful for explaining how decisions were made. If you enjoy readable non-fiction, give this one a try. No earth shattering revelations, but worth reading.

[Tierney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A propulsive history, an accessible legal analysis, this audiobook was narrated by the author with the clear enthusiasm he has for the subject shining through.

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, interesting at times.

[Daphne Clausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's crazy how much you can forget in so little time

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

very well written. my only suggestion would be to tell the individual stories of each special/independent counsel more chronologically. the story tends to jump around too much inside each chapter.

[Wallace McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

good summary of special counsels. and how they have been used on the past 50 years. also outlines some of the challenges and possible solutions.

[Gi V · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating

[S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

detailed with great insights, conclusions and recommendations. highly Informative and enlightening. it makes a dull topic as interesting as possible - and yet is still a bit dry.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was one of those books I picked up here and there. Dry but worth the read and I LOVE Elle Hoenig.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was worried this would be a bit dry but it was surprisingly fast-paced. The section on Clinton was particularly interesting. He definitely got more opinionated when discussing more recent events though. I don’t know if I agree with his perspectives on everything, but it was an interesting read/listen.