Leigh Ann Caldwell
@lacaldwelldc.bsky.social
Chief Washington Correspondent @Puck. Mostly on the Hill. Frmly Washington Post, NBC News, CNN, etc. LeighAnn@Puck.news
The MAGA civil war is largely a generational & gender divide. It's being fueled by young men who voted for Trump and are feeling let down and ignored by the person who made being a man cool again. And there are a few politicians channeling their anger....
puck.news/young-men-ar...
puck.news/young-men-ar...
The Bros Fade on Trump
Trump’s approval among Gen Z men has plummeted as MAGA factions battle over antisemitism, foreign policy, and unfulfilled economic promises.
puck.news
November 24, 2025 at 1:38 PM
The MAGA civil war is largely a generational & gender divide. It's being fueled by young men who voted for Trump and are feeling let down and ignored by the person who made being a man cool again. And there are a few politicians channeling their anger....
puck.news/young-men-ar...
puck.news/young-men-ar...
House Republicans are finally back, finally facing two major issues they had been trying to avoid: a vote on Epstein and how to address health care.
Trump's stunning reversal made the Epstein vote easier but health care is a losing issue for them
puck.news/the-gops-tru...
Trump's stunning reversal made the Epstein vote easier but health care is a losing issue for them
puck.news/the-gops-tru...
The G.O.P.’s Epstein Sophie’s Choice
This week, Republicans face a lose-lose proposition on the Epstein vote: Cross Trump, or alienate the base? And then there’s the healthcare conversation they’d much rather avoid…
puck.news
November 17, 2025 at 2:54 PM
House Republicans are finally back, finally facing two major issues they had been trying to avoid: a vote on Epstein and how to address health care.
Trump's stunning reversal made the Epstein vote easier but health care is a losing issue for them
puck.news/the-gops-tru...
Trump's stunning reversal made the Epstein vote easier but health care is a losing issue for them
puck.news/the-gops-tru...
Schumer has had better weeks. The back-slapping, attention-craving Dem leader is now facing the type of scrutiny that anyone who loves to be loved would prefer to avoid. The left turned on him. His caucus is annoyed. Govs ignored him. What about his future
puck.news/democrats-tu...
puck.news/democrats-tu...
Tick, Tick… Schumer
The embattled Senate minority leader once again faces calls to step down.
puck.news
November 13, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Schumer has had better weeks. The back-slapping, attention-craving Dem leader is now facing the type of scrutiny that anyone who loves to be loved would prefer to avoid. The left turned on him. His caucus is annoyed. Govs ignored him. What about his future
puck.news/democrats-tu...
puck.news/democrats-tu...
Even after last week's massive victories, Democrats are still divided on how to parlay that victory into future wins...
puck.news/how-democrat...
puck.news/how-democrat...
Can Democrats Become a Big Tent Party?
An analysis of the Democratic Party’s evolving identity post-Pelosi, from Crooked Con tensions to leadership succession questions reshaping the party’s direction.
puck.news
November 10, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Even after last week's massive victories, Democrats are still divided on how to parlay that victory into future wins...
puck.news/how-democrat...
puck.news/how-democrat...
1 year until the midterms. Republicans say it will be nothing like 2018. Trump's unfavorable is steady and the generic ballot favors Dems but by far less than 8 years ago.
Dems counter that this will be an economy election and Trump is way underwater.
puck.news/2026-midterm...
Dems counter that this will be an economy election and Trump is way underwater.
puck.news/2026-midterm...
’26-7
Republicans feel confident about 2026 midterms despite Trump’s economic struggles. Analysis of early messaging strategies and generic ballot trends.
puck.news
November 3, 2025 at 2:21 PM
1 year until the midterms. Republicans say it will be nothing like 2018. Trump's unfavorable is steady and the generic ballot favors Dems but by far less than 8 years ago.
Dems counter that this will be an economy election and Trump is way underwater.
puck.news/2026-midterm...
Dems counter that this will be an economy election and Trump is way underwater.
puck.news/2026-midterm...
Lots o'news on shutdown:
- Outlines of bipartisan talks: vote to open, vote(s) on ACA, Nov 21 (end of CR) is another leverage point
- Some GOP senators perplexed why Thune initially backed "rifle shot"
- Many fed up House GOP plan to come back next week
puck.news/government-s...
- Outlines of bipartisan talks: vote to open, vote(s) on ACA, Nov 21 (end of CR) is another leverage point
- Some GOP senators perplexed why Thune initially backed "rifle shot"
- Many fed up House GOP plan to come back next week
puck.news/government-s...
29 Days Later
The latest news and notes from D.C. on the shutdown: a potential way out, the Trump power void, questions about Schumer, and why Democrats are eyeing 11/21 as their day of max leverage.
puck.news
October 30, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Lots o'news on shutdown:
- Outlines of bipartisan talks: vote to open, vote(s) on ACA, Nov 21 (end of CR) is another leverage point
- Some GOP senators perplexed why Thune initially backed "rifle shot"
- Many fed up House GOP plan to come back next week
puck.news/government-s...
- Outlines of bipartisan talks: vote to open, vote(s) on ACA, Nov 21 (end of CR) is another leverage point
- Some GOP senators perplexed why Thune initially backed "rifle shot"
- Many fed up House GOP plan to come back next week
puck.news/government-s...
Nine months into Trump’s 2nd term, the House speaker and Senate leader are relinquishing many of Congress' powers to the president. “I think it’s fair to say that most of our leadership class in this country has bent the knee,” one G.O.P. senator told me. puck.news/mike-johnson...
Johnson & Thune’s Long Surrender
Mike Johnson & John Thune’s Long SurrenderMeta dek: Nine months into Trump’s second term, the House speaker and Senate majority leader are relinquishing many of their powers to the president. “I think...
puck.news
October 27, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Nine months into Trump’s 2nd term, the House speaker and Senate leader are relinquishing many of Congress' powers to the president. “I think it’s fair to say that most of our leadership class in this country has bent the knee,” one G.O.P. senator told me. puck.news/mike-johnson...
Sen. Mike Rounds and I chatted about A.I., the shutdown and more.
In the "more" part of the interview, he said it's a problem that he, a member of Senate Armed Services Committee, hasn't spoken to Pete Hegseth since he was confirmed. Lots more here: puck.news/mike-rounds-...
In the "more" part of the interview, he said it's a problem that he, a member of Senate Armed Services Committee, hasn't spoken to Pete Hegseth since he was confirmed. Lots more here: puck.news/mike-rounds-...
Rounds in the Ring
The South Dakota senator dishes on A.I. policy, as well as the latest on the government shutdown, and whether Pete Hegseth should go.
puck.news
October 24, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Sen. Mike Rounds and I chatted about A.I., the shutdown and more.
In the "more" part of the interview, he said it's a problem that he, a member of Senate Armed Services Committee, hasn't spoken to Pete Hegseth since he was confirmed. Lots more here: puck.news/mike-rounds-...
In the "more" part of the interview, he said it's a problem that he, a member of Senate Armed Services Committee, hasn't spoken to Pete Hegseth since he was confirmed. Lots more here: puck.news/mike-rounds-...
Zohran Mamdani, the presumptive future mayor of New York, still hasn’t received the endorsements of his fellow New Yorkers Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. It speaks volumes about Democratic insecurities: Is Mamdani the future of the party, or a midterm liability? Both?
puck.news/why-schumer-...
puck.news/why-schumer-...
The Zohran Red Line
Zohran Mamdani, the presumptive future mayor of New York, still hasn’t received the endorsements of his fellow New Yorkers Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. The snub speaks volumes about Democratic i...
puck.news
October 20, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Zohran Mamdani, the presumptive future mayor of New York, still hasn’t received the endorsements of his fellow New Yorkers Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. It speaks volumes about Democratic insecurities: Is Mamdani the future of the party, or a midterm liability? Both?
puck.news/why-schumer-...
puck.news/why-schumer-...
Back in March, the Senate Democratic leader feared a shutdown would unshackle Trump to run roughshod over what remains of Congress’s funding power. His predictions are now coming true—but Dems feel fine. puck.news/how-trump-is...
Schumer’s Shutdown Prophecy
Back in March, Democrats feared a shutdown would unshackle Trump to run roughshod over what remains of Congress’s funding power. His predictions are now coming true—but Dems feel fine.
puck.news
October 16, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Back in March, the Senate Democratic leader feared a shutdown would unshackle Trump to run roughshod over what remains of Congress’s funding power. His predictions are now coming true—but Dems feel fine. puck.news/how-trump-is...
Reposted by Leigh Ann Caldwell
"Republicans say that the farmers aren't happy - but Republicans are very unwilling to speak up very loudly against this."
@lacaldwelldc.bsky.social and @stephruhle.bsky.social dig into how the Trump bailout of Argentina could affect American farmers - and what Republicans have to say about it.
@lacaldwelldc.bsky.social and @stephruhle.bsky.social dig into how the Trump bailout of Argentina could affect American farmers - and what Republicans have to say about it.
October 15, 2025 at 3:31 AM
"Republicans say that the farmers aren't happy - but Republicans are very unwilling to speak up very loudly against this."
@lacaldwelldc.bsky.social and @stephruhle.bsky.social dig into how the Trump bailout of Argentina could affect American farmers - and what Republicans have to say about it.
@lacaldwelldc.bsky.social and @stephruhle.bsky.social dig into how the Trump bailout of Argentina could affect American farmers - and what Republicans have to say about it.
As Marjorie Taylor Greene has publicly broken with Trump and the G.O.P. on issues from Israel to Epstein to Obamacare, her posturing might be about something much bigger than frustration with her party...
puck.news/why-democrat...
puck.news/why-democrat...
Who’s Down with M.T.G.?
As Marjorie Taylor Greene has publicly broken with Trump and the G.O.P. on issues from Israel to Epstein to Obamacare, her posturing might be about something much bigger than frustration with her part...
puck.news
October 13, 2025 at 6:37 PM
As Marjorie Taylor Greene has publicly broken with Trump and the G.O.P. on issues from Israel to Epstein to Obamacare, her posturing might be about something much bigger than frustration with her party...
puck.news/why-democrat...
puck.news/why-democrat...
Reposted by Leigh Ann Caldwell
House Freedom Caucus & Speaker Boehner resignation: 10 Years Later ...
Hear clips and get great inside expert history and analysis from @lacaldwelldc.bsky.social & @pkcapitol.bsky.social ...
In NEW episode C-SPAN Radio podcast "The Weekly."
www.c-span.org/podcasts/sub...
Or wherever you get podcasts
Hear clips and get great inside expert history and analysis from @lacaldwelldc.bsky.social & @pkcapitol.bsky.social ...
In NEW episode C-SPAN Radio podcast "The Weekly."
www.c-span.org/podcasts/sub...
Or wherever you get podcasts
The House Freedom Caucus and Speaker John Boehner resignation: Ten Years Later - PODCAST PROMO
YouTube video by EXTREME POLITICAL HISTORY - VIDEO PODCAST & JOKES
www.youtube.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
House Freedom Caucus & Speaker Boehner resignation: 10 Years Later ...
Hear clips and get great inside expert history and analysis from @lacaldwelldc.bsky.social & @pkcapitol.bsky.social ...
In NEW episode C-SPAN Radio podcast "The Weekly."
www.c-span.org/podcasts/sub...
Or wherever you get podcasts
Hear clips and get great inside expert history and analysis from @lacaldwelldc.bsky.social & @pkcapitol.bsky.social ...
In NEW episode C-SPAN Radio podcast "The Weekly."
www.c-span.org/podcasts/sub...
Or wherever you get podcasts
Stephen Miller is one of Trump's most loyal and trusted advisers, responsible for a wide slate of controversial policies. But his standing among Republicans on Capitol Hill isn't great, with many telling me he's going to far... puck.news/are-republic...
Miller’s Crossing
As Trump’s dictatorial senior advisor gets louder and bolder—describing protesters as terrorists and inconvenient court rulings as “insurrection”—some Republicans are beginning to worry that the admin...
puck.news
October 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Stephen Miller is one of Trump's most loyal and trusted advisers, responsible for a wide slate of controversial policies. But his standing among Republicans on Capitol Hill isn't great, with many telling me he's going to far... puck.news/are-republic...
After a year of drift and division, the Dem Party’s sudden unity over healthcare as a redline in the government shutdown offers a way forward for 2026. Strategist @adamjentleson.bsky.social offers his candid observations on the shutdown, tactics, and the Schumer of it all
puck.news/adam-jentles...
puck.news/adam-jentles...
An Officer & A Jentleson
After a year of drift and division, the Democratic Party’s sudden unity over healthcare offers a way forward to the 2026 midterms. Democratic strategist Adam Jentleson offers his candid observations o...
puck.news
October 6, 2025 at 3:20 PM
After a year of drift and division, the Dem Party’s sudden unity over healthcare as a redline in the government shutdown offers a way forward for 2026. Strategist @adamjentleson.bsky.social offers his candid observations on the shutdown, tactics, and the Schumer of it all
puck.news/adam-jentles...
puck.news/adam-jentles...
Lots of shutdown nuggets here: The real story behind Russ Vought’s nuclear threat, how closely Dems are watching the polls, Sen. Shaheen’s effort to end the shutdown, and Rep. Thompson’s disappearing act. puck.news/government-s...
Shutdown and Out on Capitol Hill
News and notes from day two of the government shutdown: Russ Vought’s nuclear threat for mass firings, the latest blame-game polling, Sen. Shaheen’s bipartisan gang plan, and Rep. Thompson’s disappear...
puck.news
October 3, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Lots of shutdown nuggets here: The real story behind Russ Vought’s nuclear threat, how closely Dems are watching the polls, Sen. Shaheen’s effort to end the shutdown, and Rep. Thompson’s disappearing act. puck.news/government-s...
Trump's poll ratings, including on the issues that propelled him to victory in 2024, are quite bad. But there are no signs of Republicans, even those in tough districts, breaking from him. This is why....
puck.news/why-republic...
puck.news/why-republic...
Beyond the Trump Disapproval Matrix
Trump’s favorables are sliding, even on his best issues. But Capitol Hill Republicans are determined to sink or swim with Trump—and they’re convinced they’ll be on the right side of the shutdown blame...
puck.news
September 30, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Trump's poll ratings, including on the issues that propelled him to victory in 2024, are quite bad. But there are no signs of Republicans, even those in tough districts, breaking from him. This is why....
puck.news/why-republic...
puck.news/why-republic...
Many have noticed that the Texas senator has been displaying an unusual amount of independence from the White House lately. It's about 2028 AND the future of the Republican Party...And JD Vance.
puck.news/whats-behind...
puck.news/whats-behind...
Ted Talk
Many have noticed that the Texas senator has been offering a few measured criticisms of the White House lately. Is it simply a naked bid to position himself in a sure-to-be crowded ’28 primary?
puck.news
September 25, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Many have noticed that the Texas senator has been displaying an unusual amount of independence from the White House lately. It's about 2028 AND the future of the Republican Party...And JD Vance.
puck.news/whats-behind...
puck.news/whats-behind...
With a few exceptions, GOP on the Hill are avoiding talking about Trump’s demands to shut down broadcast networks, cancel comedians, sue newspapers, and prosecute speech. “We don’t love it,” one said. But mostly they’re waiting to see if things get worse. puck.news/the-deafenin...
Silence of the Lambs
With a few notable exceptions, Republicans on the Hill are avoiding talking about Trump’s demands to shut down broadcast networks, cancel comedians, imprison protesters, investigate Democratic nonprof...
puck.news
September 22, 2025 at 3:15 PM
With a few exceptions, GOP on the Hill are avoiding talking about Trump’s demands to shut down broadcast networks, cancel comedians, sue newspapers, and prosecute speech. “We don’t love it,” one said. But mostly they’re waiting to see if things get worse. puck.news/the-deafenin...
It's been a tough slog on the Hill. Anger after Kirk's assassination. Schumer and Thune couldn't lock in a noms deal. Internal D strife on noms. Homeland Sec approps can't meet b/c they are so at odds. All bodes poorly for keeping the gov't open.
puck.news/senate-chaos...
puck.news/senate-chaos...
The Schumer Mill
The fallout from Kirk’s assassination; Thune versus Schumer; Britt versus Murphy; Democratic division over a shutdown, and more.
puck.news
September 15, 2025 at 1:18 PM
It's been a tough slog on the Hill. Anger after Kirk's assassination. Schumer and Thune couldn't lock in a noms deal. Internal D strife on noms. Homeland Sec approps can't meet b/c they are so at odds. All bodes poorly for keeping the gov't open.
puck.news/senate-chaos...
puck.news/senate-chaos...
Ezra Klein has become something of a spiritual advisor for Capitol Hill Democrats, many of whom have him on speed dial. So when he calls for a shutdown in the pages of the Times, and attendant multimedia channels, lawmakers actually listen—and agonize. puck.news/will-dems-li...
The Party of Ezra
Klein has become something of a spiritual advisor for Capitol Hill Democrats. So when he calls for a shutdown in the pages of the Times, lawmakers actually listen—and agonize.
puck.news
September 11, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Ezra Klein has become something of a spiritual advisor for Capitol Hill Democrats, many of whom have him on speed dial. So when he calls for a shutdown in the pages of the Times, and attendant multimedia channels, lawmakers actually listen—and agonize. puck.news/will-dems-li...
Reposted by Leigh Ann Caldwell
Then my @puck.news partner and pal @lacaldwelldc.bsky.social chopped up the return of Congress to DC after recess, Epstein & RFK Jr developments on the Hill, and the prospect of a govt shutdown on Oct 1. open.spotify.com/episode/3tAX... podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i...
Leigh Ann Caldwell: 12 Angry Women (& One Addled Man) Hit Capitol Hill
open.spotify.com
September 9, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Then my @puck.news partner and pal @lacaldwelldc.bsky.social chopped up the return of Congress to DC after recess, Epstein & RFK Jr developments on the Hill, and the prospect of a govt shutdown on Oct 1. open.spotify.com/episode/3tAX... podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i...
This appears to be the the MAHA report recommendations, expected to be released later today. (Even though it says "embargo" in the name, it was sent to me by a source and I was never part of any embargo.) It proposes a lot of studies.
puck.news/wp-content/u...
puck.news/wp-content/u...
puck.news
September 9, 2025 at 5:56 PM
This appears to be the the MAHA report recommendations, expected to be released later today. (Even though it says "embargo" in the name, it was sent to me by a source and I was never part of any embargo.) It proposes a lot of studies.
puck.news/wp-content/u...
puck.news/wp-content/u...
Washington remains divided between Trump-adjacent Silicon Valley accelerationists who want to advance A.I. at all costs, and skeptical lawmakers from both parties, who warn of unforeseen risks. I dig into what's at stake and how their power is wielded
puck.news/whats-next-f...
puck.news/whats-next-f...
Trump’s A.I. Identity Crisis
Washington remains divided between Trump-adjacent Silicon Valley accelerationists who want to advance A.I. at all costs, and skeptical lawmakers from both parties, who warn of unforeseen risks.
puck.news
September 8, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Washington remains divided between Trump-adjacent Silicon Valley accelerationists who want to advance A.I. at all costs, and skeptical lawmakers from both parties, who warn of unforeseen risks. I dig into what's at stake and how their power is wielded
puck.news/whats-next-f...
puck.news/whats-next-f...
The GOP is lurching toward an explosive showdown with Democrats and each other over the president’s so-called pocket rescissions. How the Sen. Thune handles the blowback, and a looming government shutdown, could impact the midterms and the future of Congress itself.
puck.news/previewing-j...
puck.news/previewing-j...
Thune’s Pocket Rocket
Republicans are lurching toward an explosive showdown over the president’s so-called pocket rescissions. How Thune handles the blowback, and a looming government shutdown, could impact the midterms an...
puck.news
September 4, 2025 at 2:20 PM
The GOP is lurching toward an explosive showdown with Democrats and each other over the president’s so-called pocket rescissions. How the Sen. Thune handles the blowback, and a looming government shutdown, could impact the midterms and the future of Congress itself.
puck.news/previewing-j...
puck.news/previewing-j...