I had a great conversation with historian and executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library, Lindsay Chervinsky. In this episode, she sheds light on the famous phrase: “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”. Take a listen! www.brookings.edu/articles/lif...

Season 3 of Democracy In Question is live! I sat down with @vanessawilliamson.bsky.social to dig into the phrase at the heart of American democracy. 🎙️Give it a listen: www.brookings.edu/articles/wha... #DemocracyInQuestion #Podcast

New research on staffing the Trump administration—lots to report! www.brookings.edu/articles/ass...

NPR Exclusive: new numbers from Kathryn Dunn Tenpas and Brookings on high level-level staff and cabinet turnover a year into Trump’s new term. There’s been less personnel drama than 2017 but turnover is still sky high compared to other recent presidents. www.npr.org/2026/01/20/n...

New research on pace and composition of Senate-confirmed appointees st the 300 day mark: www.brookings.edu/articles/300...

Was triggering the nuclear option in early September worth it? See research by me and @chrispiper.bsky.social to find out. www.brookings.edu/articles/wil...

Democracy is imperiled in the U.S. & globally—but democratic actors can stop backsliding. On @brookings.edu Democracy in Question with @kdunntenpas.bsky.social I delve into the 2025 Democracy Playbook, discuss the 7 pillars to defend domestic and global democracy. www.brookings.edu/articles/how...

OPINION TODAY featured podcast — @kdunntenpas.bsky.social and Michael O’Hanlon explore how the history of U.S. foreign and military policy has interacted with democracy at home and abroad. (@brookings.edu) opiniontoday.substack.com/i/164146858/...

Marco Rubio will soon have four jobs in the Trump administration: Secretary of State, National Security Adviser, acting Archivist of the United States and Administrator of USAID. He’s wearing four hats—a record that will be tough to beat. Hard to fathom how this juggling act can succeed.

I’m tracking how fast President Trump’s second-term Cabinet and top appointees are being confirmed by the Senate. The new tracker sheds light on the pace, makeup, and implications of early staffing decisions in a divided government. www.brookings.edu/articles/tra...