About Mona Charen

Mona Charen

Mona Charen

Mona Charen is a syndicated columnist and political analyst. She began her career as a speechwriter for Nancy Reagan, and later served as associate director of the White House Office of Public Liaison, before a stint working for Rep. Jack Kemp’s presidential campaign. She then spent six years as a commentator on CNN and has served as a judge of the Pulitzer Prizes. Ms. Charen is policy editor of The Bulwark and host of the “Beg to Differ” podcast.

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The Democrats' Opportunity -- If They Can Seize It Feb 13, 2026

President Donald Trump's approval rating is sinking and gasping for air. His average net approval stands at -13.7, which is lower than Joe Biden's was at this point in his term. This matters beyond cosmic justice: The president's approval rating is t... Read More

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How Big Is MAGA, Really? Feb 06, 2026

As we survey the wreckage of Trump's second term, it is often said that half the country voted for this, or worse, half the country is fine with this. That isn't true. MAGA is a bit of a moving target, but a recent Economist/YouGov pol... Read More

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Trump Can't Stop Backing Down Jan 30, 2026

Does it sometimes seem as though too many people have never learned the lessons of the schoolyard? If you capitulate to a bully, you will be bullied forever. If you stand up to him, he will back down. What's true on the playground is also true in the... Read More

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For Some, Trump's Mask Is Finally Slipping Jan 23, 2026

Throughout 2017 and into 2018, I hoped that a moment would come when Republicans would see Donald Trump clearly. But years ago, I accepted that the scales-falling-from-the-eyes revelation will never come for the MAGA faithful. They are too invested. ... Read More