Skip to content
Advertisement

Jennifer Harper

Jennifer Harper

A graduate of Syracuse University, Jennifer Harper writes the daily Inside the Beltway column and provides additional coverage of breaking national news, plus long-term trends in politics, media issues, public opinion, popular culture, Hollywood foibles and “eureka” moments in health and science.

She has been a frequent broadcast commentator on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, C-SPAN, Voice of America, Citadel Broadcasting, Talk Radio Network and other news organizations. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., Ms. Harper grew up in Texas and arrived in Washington in time for Watergate -- and has been tracking the political and media landscape ever since.

She is an active member of the American Federation of TV Radio Artists and Screen Actors Guild. She has won 14 journalism awards during her years at The Washington Times.

To read Jennifer Harper's Inside the Beltway columns, click here. Contact her at jharper@washingtontimes.com.

Articles by Jennifer Harper

Retired Army Brig. Gen. Anthony J. Tata has written his 16th book — a military thriller novel titled "Total Empire: A Garrett Sinclair Novel" which described a rogue military mission in the Sahara Desert. (Image courtesy of St. Martin's Press)

Military author Anthony Tata releases 16th thriller book

Just arrived from military-thriller novelist Anthony J. Tata: "Total Empire: A Garrett Sinclair Novel." The book focuses on the heroic, nimble and fictional Gen. Garrett Sinclair, who has been sent on a rogue mission in the Sahara to thwart "China's globalist agenda" and an "ongoing international nuclear threat." Well. That is certainly a timely focus. Published March 21, 2023

Former President Donald Trump pauses as he speaks at a campaign event Monday, March 13, 2023, in Davenport, Iowa. (AP Photo/Ron Johnson)

Trump’s 2024 campaign seen as upgrade over previous presidential runs

Some say that former President Donald Trump has changed his approach to campaigning. Could this strategy repel his loyal fans who like the straightforward political style of yore? Regardless, observers think a new and improved candidate could be on the way. The Associated Press noted on Monday that while Mr. Trump is seeking to "project supreme confidence," he is also now "aiming for a more disciplined campaign." Others, such as Axios, have reported similarly. Published March 20, 2023

Supporters of former President Donald Trump cheer as he speaks at a Save America Rally. Jan. 15, 2022, in Florence, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

New York Young Republican Club answers Trump’s call for rallies

At least one New York City political organization is responding to former President Donald Trump's complex legal situation, which he has suggested could lead to his arrest on Tuesday. The New York Young Republican Club -- established in 1911 -- has quietly planned a "peaceful protest" rally in New York City on Monday to draw attention to the "American judicial system," according to an exclusive event notice shared with Inside the Beltway. Published March 19, 2023

The U.S. Agency for Global Media -- the independent federal agency which operates Voice of America and four other broadcast sources - has outlined $944.0 million in resources to fund critical international broadcasting efforts. This is an increase of $59.3 million or 6.7% above the FY 2023 Enacted level. (Image courtesy of  U.S. Agency for Global Media).

U.S. Agency for Global Media sets audience record

A round of applause for the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the federal agency that counts Voice of America and Radio Free Europe among its six significant media entities. Those networks reached a record weekly audience of 410 million people in 2022 -- and they are mission minded. Published March 16, 2023

A spread of U.S. $100 dollar bills are seen here. (AP Photo)

More on the Biden budget horror show: National defense gets shortchanged

So we already know that President Biden's budget is $6.9 trillion. The Republican National Committee, meanwhile, has delved into what's in this budget -- and what's to come. "Biden's budget puts U.S. national security at risk. The budget would shortchange America's military, with defense funding failing to keep pace with inflation," the analysis said. Published March 15, 2023

Some major automakers have removed AM radios from their electric vehicles citing safety issues. Fans of AM stations, however, say AM radio is one of the critical ways that officials can communicate with the public during an emergency. (Image from Shutterstock)

Fans of AM radio rally to resist being dropped by automakers

This could be annoying news to those who like listening to old-school AM radio while driving, be it a leisurely trip or frantic commute. Things change, though. Eight automakers -- including Ford, Mazda and BMW -- have removed AM radios from their electric vehicles -- also known as EVs. Published March 14, 2023

A recently arrived rustic boat sits on the shore, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, in Islamorada, Fla. More than 500 Cuban immigrants have come ashore in the Florida Keys since the weekend, the latest in a large and increasing number who are fleeing the communist island. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Ron DeSantis keeps watch on illegal border crossers

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has revealed in a new statement that since Aug. 21, nearly 11,000 migrants have been repatriated to their home countries after attempting to enter the state illegally. Published March 13, 2023

This May 4, 2021, file photo shows the U.S. Treasury Building in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

RNC paints Biden budget horror show

The Republican National Committee is not allowing President Biden's plans for a $6.9 trillion budget to skate by unnoticed or without close inspection. The committee has released a stark comprehensive study of the actual content of the budget. Published March 12, 2023

In this April 3, 2019, photo a tip box is filled with U.S. currency in New York CIty.  (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

Biden’s $6.8 trillion budget prompts outcry from Republicans

Republicans are not holding back when it comes to President Biden's burgeoning budget, which weighs in at $6.8 trillion. That looks like this: $6,800,000,000,000, in case you wondered. "President Biden's proposed budget is designed to satisfy his base, not to actually become law," observed Sen. Mitt Romney, Utah Republican. Published March 9, 2023

Former President Donald Trump gestures as he announces he is running for president for the third time as he speaks at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Nov. 15, 2022. . (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Trump has edge on Biden on issue of aging

So how are the potential presidential hopefuls for 2024 doing? The clock is ticking, and one candidate appears to be doing rather well in the all-important state of New Hampshire. Published March 8, 2023

Migrants wait to get into a U.S. government bus after crossing the border from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, to El Paso, Texas, Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. The mayor of the Texas border city declared a state of emergency Saturday, Dec. 17 over concerns about the community's ability to handle an anticipated influx of migrants across the Southern border. (AP Photo/Christian Chavez, File)

Crisis on U.S.-Mexico border becomes global moment

The situation on the southern U.S. border has become so dire that it is drawing concern from afar. "Authorities in Mexico found an abandoned truck carrying 103 unaccompanied minors, making it the biggest discovery of migrant children traveling through Mexico in recent times," Deutsche Welle, a German news organization, advised in a report published Tuesday. Published March 7, 2023

Former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2023, Saturday, March 4, 2023, at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Media speculates on ‘vintage’ Trump CPAC speech; he sees it as setting up 2024

Former President Donald Trump gave an epic speech -- one hour and 45 minutes -- on the closing night of the Conservative Political Action Conference. His audience remained enthusiastic and good-humored from start to finish Saturday; the event was more campaign rally than fireside talk. The news media, of course, offered mixed, often jaunty commentary in the aftermath, Here are a few sample headlines from the last 48 hours: Published March 5, 2023

President Joe Biden speaks to the House Democratic Caucus Issues Conference, Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Is Biden too old for second term? Most voters say yes

It is an uncomfortable but necessary question. Is President Biden too old to hold office? If reelected in 2024, he would be 82 at the start of his second term -- and 86 by the time it concluded. A Yahoo News poll has plunged into that quandary. Published March 2, 2023

Former President Donald Trump gestures as he announces he is running for president for the third time as he speaks at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Nov. 15, 2022. . (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Trump leads in 2024 presidential poll, despite Biden shoring up his Democratic base

The former president has an edge on the current president at the moment. "Despite increased support within the Democratic Party, President Biden trails former President Trump in a hypothetical 2024 Presidential match-up, 42% to 46%; 7% would support someone else and 5% are undecided," reports an Emerson College poll released Tuesday. Published February 28, 2023

A new book, a new video and lots to say: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis takes his place in the political spotlight.

DeSantis brand emerges in new book about Florida’s success

"Florida's blueprint." This little phrase could very well carry Florida Gov. Ron. DeSantis right into the 2024 presidential race. He has a book arriving Tuesday titled "The Courage to Be Free: Florida's Blueprint for America's Revival," which has already reached No. 1 on the Amazon best-seller list. Published February 27, 2023

Caption: The National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express are stepping up to help the nation’s beloved small restaurants and cafes, offering $1 million in grants to help the often historic establishments with inevitable expenses during challenging times. (AP Photo)

A delicious idea about funding historic preservation

For the third year in a row, the National Trust for Historic Preservation is stepping up to help the nation's small restaurants, bolstered by some very handy support from American Express. We're talking about those beloved spots which add much character and charm to the American legacy. Some could get a handsome boost. The two organizations have teamed up to fund the "Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program" for the third year in a row. Published February 26, 2023

There has been much speculation itno whether President Biden, here stepping off Air Force One at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in January, will run for another term. One noted presidential historian says it's a done deal. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Does Biden have the ‘mo-joe’ to run again?

One question continues to draw the attention of the curious press, pollsters, analysts, and fans and enemies alike. At 80, does President Biden have the personal determination and energy -- the "mo-Joe," so to speak-- to run for reelection when the time comes? Published February 23, 2023

President Richard M. Nixon hosted the largest dinner in White House history in 1973, to honor the final Vietnam War POWs freed under the accord ending the war.(AP Photo/File)

Nixon Foundation to recall historic White House dinner

Fifty years ago, the Vietnam War was ended by President Richard Nixon and hundreds of prisoners of war came home to their families. After the Paris Peace Accords were signed on Jan. 27, 1973, 591 prisoners of war were repatriated -- poised to restart life at home. Some four months later -- on May 24, 1973 -- the president and first lady Patricia Nixon staged an immense dinner at the White House and welcomed the returning POWs. Published February 22, 2023