Press

President Trump will address the nation on March 4, articulating his vision for America and promoting the executive orders he has signed during his first few weeks in office. As always, his speech and rhetoric will dominate the news cycle—and catapult entire industries into the spotlight.

Regardless of whether the president does or does not mention a particular company or industry, it is imperative that corporate communicators be prepared. Abbey Schieffer shared her checklist for communications pros to prepare for Trump’s speech in O’Dwyers.

Whether presidents are in the Oval Office or overseas, they have a tail: 13 journalists who make up what’s known as the “press pool.”

Focused on reporting the president’s actions and statements, the pool itself tends to blend into the background. But it is suddenly in the spotlight as the White House has made an unprecedented move to select some of its members.

Senior Vice President and former senior producer for CNN, Kristin Wilson, shared her insights into the White House press pool in the Boston Globe. 

The discussion continues for the current budget plan in Congress and where cuts may be made and whether one bill or two for budget reconciliation will get the job done. Partner and Co-Founder Ron Bonjean shared his insights on Bloomberg’s Balance of Power.

Kristen Hawn joined Balance of Power to discuss the budget reconciliation bill, Musk’s plan to cut government spending and Mitch McConnell’s announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2026. Watch the full episode to hear the full breakdown.

Kristen Hawn, Partner at ROKK Solutions and Democratic Strategist joined Bloomberg’s Balance of Power for a look at some of the latest headlines in DC, including Trump and Musk’s joint interview on Fox News.

Confirmation hearings are still in full swing, but will they all make it through the Senate with the GOP’s small majority? Will Trump’s tax reform pass within the first 100 days? Ron Bonjean weighs in on The Julie Mason Show about all of this and more. 

Democrats are finding themselves mired in infighting and schoolyard sniping just as President Trump begins his new term. 

Biden’s last-minute pardons of his family members have sparked intraparty criticism.

And in Congress, Democrats are battling in the House and Senate over their strategies after their campaign messaging fell flat with the public.

Democratic strategist and ROKK Co-Founder Rodell Mollineau spoke with The Hill about what Democrats will need to do moving forward.

Conversations with two dozen Democratic sources reveal a party still struggling to figure out how they found themselves losing the White House and Senate and stuck in the minority in the House.

Prescriptions for a comeback abound: A more inclusive message, not just what plays well among activists and on college campuses. More spending on state parties and less on D.C.-based consultants. Serious investments in a progressive media ecosystem to rival the conservative one. A foreign policy that is as easy to explain as Republicans’ tried-and-true “Peace Through Strength.” Better polling. Less fear-mongering about the end of democracy. More podcasts.

Democratic strategist and ROKK Co-Founder Rodell Mollineau spoke with TIME about Democrats’ plan for the next 4 years and how to learn from last year.

Several GOP Senate incumbents are staring down the threat of primary challenges next year as friction builds between the MAGA and establishment wings. ROKK Co-Founder and Partner Ron Bonjean shared his thoughts with The Hill on senators striking a delicate balance between upcoming votes to decide on Trump’s most controversial Cabinet picks and answering to their constituent base in their own backyard.

“They’ve seen the political combat Trump made, and his historic sweep of a Republican Congress and White House. And senators who are on the fence of particular issues will definitely be weighing that strongly: what their backyard looks like, how strong the MAGA base is at home,” Bonjean said. “It’s probably even stronger now.”

This shift is incredibly important when looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections with Republicans looking to defend 20 seats as opposed to Democrats’ 13 seats.

As President-elect Trump transitions into the White House, what does one-party control mean for Trump’s legislative checklist? ROKK Co-Founder Ron Bonjean shared his thoughts with PUCK’s Peter Hamby.