Donald Moynihan

Kathleen Walters, a former IRS privacy chief who resigned rather than break the law. Don Moynihan, a University of Michigan public policy professor who studies civil service and reform. They discuss principled resignation over data requests. They trace the history of merit-based hiring, recent politicized hiring practices, mass departures and legal routes for firings, and threats to public services and elections.

In this discussion, Don Moynihan, a University of Michigan professor and author of "Can We Still Govern?", tackles the chaotic fallout from the attempted firing of CDC director Susan Monarez. He critiques the White House's struggle to maintain credibility in the face of anti-vaccine policies pushed by RFK Jr. Moynihan highlights the dangers of politicizing public health and emphasizes the importance of expertise over loyalty. The conversation underscores how this political maneuvering could threaten the integrity of health governance and democracy itself.

Donald Moynihan, a public policy expert from the University of Michigan, discusses the potential ramifications of Trump's proposed government overhaul. He highlights the risks of dramatic cuts to the federal workforce and essential programs that millions rely on. Drawing from his expertise, Moynihan explores the paradox of public skepticism versus support for crucial services, and warns of the lessons learned from UK austerity measures. He critiques recent efficiency initiatives and emphasizes the importance of maintaining stable bureaucratic frameworks to ensure effective governance.

Lisa Ryan, a National reporter at The Washington Post, and Don Moynihan, a public policy professor at the University of Michigan, delve into the recent shift in federal hiring practices under the Trump administration. They discuss how the new requirements for political loyalty may undermine the nonpartisan civil service system established in 1870. The conversation highlights concerns about eroding meritocracy, public trust in government, and the chilling effects on communication within federal agencies amidst a polarized hiring environment.

Donald Moynihan, a public policy professor at the University of Michigan and author of "Can We Still Govern?", dives into the critical evolution of the U.S. civil service. He discusses the Pendleton Act of 1883, which established a nonpartisan workforce to combat corruption. Moynihan explores the implications of potential changes under future administrations, the shift from a spoils system to merit-based hiring, and the significant roles federal employees play in public safety amid challenges of modernization and political pressures.