Cozen Oconnor Public Strategies - The Beltway Briefing

Between Trump’s Address to Joint Session of Congress, his fluctuating trade and tariff policies, and the threat of a government shutdown, politicos question whether the president’s actions are more performance than policy. With no clear leader or unified message, how much longer will Democrats remain disorganized? And, are Republicans stuck in a “team mentality,” prioritizing loyalty over scrutiny of DOGE? Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Most Americans agree the federal government overspends and our debt is unsustainable. But Elon Musk’s approach at the Department of Government Efficiency is challenging assumptions—not about the problem, but the execution. Instead of the usual bureaucratic reshuffle, he’s taking unprecedented action, with ripple effects reaching localized federal workers. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Kyle Anderson.

President Trump appears to be following through on his promises, while the Democratic Party seems unprepared to effectively counter his actions. The question arises: who will step forward as the leader to challenge this trajectory? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Kyle Anderson.

As the Trump administration and its Department of Government Efficiency work to streamline the federal government by reducing its size and workforce, their actions are increasingly colliding with a mountain of lawsuits. Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman, Towner French, and Kyle Anderson.

The Trump administration has frozen federal government operations and is systematically dismantling agencies, sometimes acting as a wrecking ball and other times using a strategy of gradual erosion. Will Congress step up to check the executive, or continue to rely on the courts? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Trump’s return to the White House began with a decisive policy rollout but quickly unraveled amidst confusion, uncertainty, and tragedy. A hastily issued OMB memo freezing aid to 2,600 programs—only to be swiftly reversed—sparked confusion and concern. This was compounded by Trump 2.0’s first major crisis with the tragic commercial aviation disaster on the shores of the Potomac. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Towner French and Kyle Anderson.

Trump’s second inauguration and the signing of over 40 executive actions signal the administration’s ambitious vision to rebrand America as a "winning" nation. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Donald Trump returns to Washington as the 47th President of the United States. Explore what to expect on day one, including the inauguration ceremony and anticipated executive actions. Key areas of focus will likely include deregulation, immigration, and tariff policies, as his administration sets the tone for its priorities and approach to governing. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Towner French.

With the recent passing of Cozen O’Connor founder and chairman, Steve Cozen, our team reflects with gratitude on the privilege of knowing and working with Steve, a visionary leader who had a profound impact on our firm and the community. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Kyle Anderson.

With the 2024 election in the rearview, what’s next for a Republican-controlled Washington? We look beyond the Beltway to purple states like Pennsylvania and the 2025 off-year elections in Virginia and New Jersey, seeking insights that could shape the nation’s political future. Featuring Public Strategies’ Towner French (Washington, D.C.), Kyle Anderson (Pennsylvania), and Julia Hammond (Virginia).

What will Trump 2.0 look like? Central to the incoming administration’s vision is the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), designed to streamline federal operations and eliminate bureaucratic roadblocks. What challenges could derail these ambitions? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Towner French.

As Trump’s personnel announcements continue to roll out, Americans are given a glimpse into his vision for the next four years. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

On Tuesday, voters sent a clear message to Washington: the country is on the wrong track, and they're looking for solutions in an ever-changing world. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Patrick Martin, Towner French, Julia Hammond, and Meagan Foster.

With the election just days away, the Public Strategies team predicts key race outcomes and discusses whether divided government will continue. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, Towner French, and Kyle Anderson.

With early voting underway, it raises the question: “Is the cake already baked?” Are there still undecided voters out there, or are we just waiting for the remaining ballots to roll in? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

As the gender gap continues to widen at the top of the ticket, it is crucial to understand how gender and their roles are impacting the 2024 election. Women constitute a large and influential voting bloc, and their participation in the election could be decisive. How candidates address key issues — like reproductive rights, economic uncertainty, and child and elder care — could tip the scales in swing states. Featuring Public Strategies’ Meagan Foster, Jessica Monahan, and Julia Hammond.

The Harris-Walz campaign has focused heavily on one message: vote against Trump. Will relying solely on an anti-Trump message carry enough weight to win this time? Will voters cast their ballots based on their real interests — or merely the perception of those interests? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French, and Kyle Anderson.

The vice presidential debate was marked by a civil tone, characterized by politicos as 'Midwest nice.' While the Vance-Walz debate may not significantly impact the November election, Senator JD Vance’s polished style contrasted sharply with Governor Tim Walz’s rusty performance. As the Washington echo chamber anticipates a Harris victory, some are feeling an eerie sense of déjà vu from 2016, when Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton hit an electoral ceiling. Instead, the question becomes: have roles reversed, will Trump hit a ceiling this cycle? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

State-level political commentary often functions as an echo chamber. As red pockets emerge in traditionally blue states like Illinois, New York, and Virginia, it becomes crucial to analyze and compare the local political dynamics, pressing issues, and recent events driving these shifts to build a meaningful national narrative. How will these local challenges shape federal outcomes? What factors are energizing voters at the grassroots level? And what predictions, if any, can be drawn from these local trends for the top of the ticket? Featuring Public Strategies’ John Dunn (Illinois), Rose Christ (New York), and Julia Hammond (Virginia).

As the 2024 election approaches, the rise of populism has intensified the divide between leadership, policy, and public sentiment, exemplified by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ decision not to endorse a presidential candidate. Is this election driven more by emotion than logic? And could it all come down to something as simple as the "donut test"? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French, and Jamie Ansorge.