Olivia Nuzzis American Canto Draws Criticism Amid Scandal

Olivia Nuzzi's new book, American Canto, was released Tuesday by Simon & Schuster, drawing sharp criticism from reviewers amid ongoing fallout from the journalist's personal scandal involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The 32-year-old author, known for her political reporting, presents the work as a firsthand account of the transformation of American reality during Donald Trump's rise to power and presidency. Spanning her experiences on the campaign trail and in the Oval Office, the book includes impressionistic vignettes, such as scenes at a flag factory and on open highways, alongside reflections on political figures like Trump. Brief sections touch on her interactions with Kennedy, whom she profiled for New York magazine during his 2024 presidential campaign. Nuzzi describes the former president's contradictory nature, marked by histrionics and impulsive decisions, and draws metaphorical connections to events like the 2024 assassination attempt on Trump, where she notes his injured ear as symbolizing a divide in American history.

Critics have largely panned the memoir for its lack of focus and depth. One review described it as a "tell-nothing memoir" that avoids honesty, quoting...