Transition Lab How do you become a political appointee? With Kathryn Dunn Tenpas
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Oct 15, 2024 Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, a renowned expert in presidential personnel from the Brookings Institution, shares fascinating insights into the world of political appointees. She discusses the complex process of Senate confirmations and the critical roles of White House staff in shaping policy. Kathryn highlights the high turnover rates in the administration and the challenges posed by political polarization. She also emphasizes the rewarding nature of government service and the importance of teamwork in effective governance.
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Presidential Appointees
- The US president appoints roughly 4,000 individuals, far more than most countries.
- These appointees include Senate-confirmed and presidentially appointed positions, with varying levels of influence.
The A-Team and Turnover
- The "A-Team", identified by the National Journal, comprises influential White House staffers.
- Turnover in this group is predictable, with spikes in the third year due to re-election campaigns.
White House Job Pressures
- White House jobs are demanding, leading to high turnover due to burnout and financial pressures.
- The 24-hour news cycle and social media exacerbate these pressures.
