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.

Donald Trump lifting his fist in front of a crowd.

Is Donald Trump Really a Male Icon? I Hope to God Not. Is Donald Trump Really a Male Icon? I Hope to God Not.

I hate gender stereotyping. But I’m a boomer, and the fake-tanned, fake-haired coward is the opposite of a manly man from our generation.

Jun 4, 2024 / Joan Walsh

Looking up at the sign outside the Department of Health and Human Services building, against a sunny sky.

Project 2025 Has Bad Medicine for HHS Project 2025 Has Bad Medicine for HHS


Under Trump, the Department of Health and Human Services would become the “Department of Life” once again—and worse.

Jun 4, 2024 / Feature / Joan Walsh

President Joe Biden looks back over his shoulder and smiles while leaving a press conference.

Donald Trump Is a Convicted Felon. Democrats Must Shout It From the Rooftops. Donald Trump Is a Convicted Felon. Democrats Must Shout It From the Rooftops.

Pundits and pearl-clutchers are warning Joe Biden to campaign on his record and leave Trump’s legal troubles alone. That would be political malpractice.

Jun 3, 2024 / Joan Walsh

Donald Trump holds up a fist outside the Trump Building after his conviction.

The Greatest Liar of All Time Gets a Criminal Conviction The Greatest Liar of All Time Gets a Criminal Conviction

All of Trump’s—and his lawyer’s—projection failed, and he was convicted of all 34 felony counts.

May 30, 2024 / Joan Walsh

Joe Biden in academic regalia, in front of a crowd of university faculty and staff, giving the commencement address at Morehouse College.

Biden Fared Well at Morehouse. So You Didn’t Hear About It. Biden Fared Well at Morehouse. So You Didn’t Hear About It.

Biden’s speech wasn’t groundbreaking. But he did not take these talented 20-somethings for granted.

May 20, 2024 / Joan Walsh

A courtroom sketch of Stormy Daniels on the witness stand, leaning onto her left arm, with the judge in the background.

Stormy Daniels Takes the Stand Stormy Daniels Takes the Stand

The trial isn’t about Trump’s bad behavior but committing business crimes to win an election. It’s a shame that Daniels’s story is being ruled largely irrelevant in the courtroom.

May 8, 2024 / Joan Walsh

Donald Trump in court sitting at the defendant's table, flanked by his lawyers.

Does Donald Trump Want to Go to Jail? Does Donald Trump Want to Go to Jail?

I know, he’s a big man-baby and he’d hate even a minute of it. But his martyr complex could overcome his cowardice.

May 6, 2024 / Joan Walsh

Donald Trump at a podium in front of an American flag.

Donald Trump Is Scared of Women Voters on Abortion Donald Trump Is Scared of Women Voters on Abortion

He evaded Time magazine’s abortion questions repeatedly. What can we learn? He will do anything that benefits him.

May 2, 2024 / Joan Walsh

Gov. Kristi Noem speaking on a stage outside, wearing a red

I’m Sad for Kristi Noem’s Daughter, Not Just Her Puppy I’m Sad for Kristi Noem’s Daughter, Not Just Her Puppy

The South Dakota governor traumatized her child by killing her dog.

Apr 30, 2024 / Joan Walsh

A still from an EducateUS ad, showing a Black teen raising her hand.

On Sex Ed, “Our Side” Is Finally Fighting Back On Sex Ed, “Our Side” Is Finally Fighting Back

The new group EducateUS is creating a counter-movement to the conservative groups stoking a culture war over sexuality education.

Apr 24, 2024 / Joan Walsh

x