In "The Fifth Risk," Michael Lewis critiques Donald Trump's budget as a reflection of a troubling attitude towards knowledge and governance. He suggests that the budget is influenced by a broader societal trend that favors ignorance over informed decision-making, which has significant implications for the functioning of the government and its ability to address pressing issues.

This desire to remain uninformed not only affects policies but also shapes the priorities that the administration sets. Lewis emphasizes that such an approach is detrimental, as it undermines the very frameworks meant to ensure effective management of risks that society faces. Ignorance, in this context, serves as a barrier to progress and understanding in critical areas of governance.