John Harwood

Understanding the Trump Administration: Policy, Politics, Media and Culture

John Harwood, a seasoned journalist and political analyst, looks in-depth at the Trump administration and what it means for American business, politics, media and culture. Key points of include:

1. Policy Analysis: Reviewing how Trump policies affected American business during his first presidency, and what will make his second term different. Discussion of tax-cuts, tariffs, regulations, immigration policy, and international relations, and their implications now and for the future.
2. Political Landscape: Exploring how the Trump administration has reshaped the political landscape, within the Republican Party and beyond, and whether those changes will leave a lasting imprint.
3. Media Dynamics: Examining the administration’s relationship with a rapidly-changing media, how it attempts to mold public opinion, and how journalists will grapple with the enormous shift from the Biden era.
4. Future Outlook: Drawing on four decades of high-level Washington journalism experience, Harwood places the Trump administration, its immediate significance, and the path ahead in the context of American history.

His remarks offer a comprehensive and balanced view that draws on his previous work covering the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. and George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Trump and Joe Biden. He has interviewed each of the last six presidents.

Washington and The Economy

America’s $17-trillion economy moves in rhythms all its own. But what happens in Washington — taxes, spending, regulations, interest rates — helps shape which businesses prosper, what workers earn, and whether jobs are plentiful. John Harwood, who has spent decades covering those issues in print for the Wall Street Journal and on television for CNBC, takes audiences through choices facing the White House, Congress and the Federal Reserve and how they matter for their pocketbooks.  

Journalism and the Threat to Democracy

That 21st century American journalism and democracy both find themselves in crisis is no coincidence. Economic and cultural changes have shredded the pool of commonly-accepted information, and with it the credibility of media organizations among other institutions. As January 6 demonstrated, a vast swath of the country angrily rejects plainly-visible facts about the nation’s elections. That creates a wrenching dilemma for the financially-fragile business of journalism – more bluntness, or more solicitousness toward its skeptics? In print and on television, conducting interviews and moderating presidential debates, John Harwood has been on the firing line and can help audiences understand the escalating challenges ahead.

Moderating your Panel with Energy, Humor, and Insight

From conducting a live town hall with the sitting President to moderating campaign debates of those seeking the office, John Harwood has faced the brightest of American spotlights. Over the last three decades, he has been in conversation with a broad range of national leaders, from the White House to Wall Street, from Congress to Cabinet agencies. That’s ideal preparation for delivering lively and interesting on-stage events touching on politics, the economy, and the state of democracy. Instantly recognizable from his years on television, he asks the questions and draws out the insights that interest your audience — and he does it with energy and humor.