Joan Walsh

National Affairs Correspondent

@joanwalsh

Joan Walsh, a national affairs correspondent for The Nation, is a coproducer of The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show and the author of What’s the Matter With White People? Finding Our Way in the Next America. Her new book (with Nick Hanauer and Donald Cohen) is Corporate Bullsh*t: Exposing the Lies and Half-Truths That Protect Profit, Power and Wealth In America.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown Jr. listens to US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth answer reporters' questions on February 5, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia.

Make No Mistake, This Is Trump’s Worst Move Yet Make No Mistake, This Is Trump’s Worst Move Yet

He fired qualified military leaders and hired lesser men who are loyal to him. If you’re wondering where all of this is going: Prepare for autocracy.

Feb 24, 2025 / Joan Walsh

Members of the American Federation of Government Employees protest against firings during a rally to defend federal workers in Washington, DC, on February 11, 2025.

Trump’s Firing Frenzy Is Hitting the GOP Where It Hurts Trump’s Firing Frenzy Is Hitting the GOP Where It Hurts

As layoffs skyrocket, Trump’s own voters are feeling the pain. Will the backlash begin?

Feb 21, 2025 / Joan Walsh

US Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) gives a thumbs up while arriving at the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence at the Senate Chambers on February 12, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Mitch McConnell’s Desperate Bid for an Honorable Political Legacy Mitch McConnell’s Desperate Bid for an Honorable Political Legacy

Lately McConnell has been a rare GOP vote against Trump’s worst cabinet nominees. But he’s the main reason Trump is back in power.

Feb 13, 2025 / Joan Walsh

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk walks on stage to speak during the inaugural parade inside Capitol One Arena, in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025.

Nazis and Racists and “Big Balls,” Oh My! Nazis and Racists and “Big Balls,” Oh My!

Elon Musk’s DOGE-boys are hacking our government. The misogynist bros of the 2014 Gamergate travesty have won. For now.

Feb 11, 2025 / Joan Walsh

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) listens as the Senate Finance Committee votes on February 4, 2025, to advance the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be the next secretary of health and human services.

Cassidy Caves to MAGA Threats Cassidy Caves to MAGA Threats

Fearing a primary challenge, the Louisiana Republican and physician backed away from his critique of RFK Jr. to recommend his nomination. It’s unlikely to be blocked in the Senate...

Feb 4, 2025 / Joan Walsh

Employees and supporters gather to protest outside of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) headquarters on February 3, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Signs of a New Anti-Trump Opposition Amid Elon Musk’s Coup Signs of a New Anti-Trump Opposition Amid Elon Musk’s Coup

Legislators and grassroots groups are showing new muscle in the wake of Musk’s weekend usurpation of power. It needs to ramp up, and quickly. And the media needs to cover it.

Feb 4, 2025 / Joan Walsh

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on his nomination to be Health and Human Services Secretary.

RFK Jr.’s Family Dissents. I Hope the Democrats Do Too. RFK Jr.’s Family Dissents. I Hope the Democrats Do Too.

There are so many reasons to reject the HHS secretary nominee’s crackpot health science.

Jan 29, 2025 / Joan Walsh

US President Donald Trump addresses the 2025 Republican Issues Conference at the Trump National Doral Miami on January 27, 2025, in Doral, Florida.

A Lawless Leader and His Revolution A Lawless Leader and His Revolution

When will the Democrats muster a genuine opposition to Donald Trump?

Jan 28, 2025 / Joan Walsh

Trump supporters storm the Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results on January 6, 2021.

Trump Liberates His Own Paramilitary Force Trump Liberates His Own Paramilitary Force

The violent January 6 prisoners Trump pardoned reenter a country increasingly endangered by political violence. He loves it.

Jan 23, 2025 / Joan Walsh

Cecile Richards Saved the Day for Us

Cecile Richards Saved the Day for Us Cecile Richards Saved the Day for Us

The crusader for women’s and workers’ rights died Monday after a cruel illness. She inspires us to do the work ahead.

Jan 20, 2025 / Joan Walsh

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