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The highs and lows–and future prospects–of President Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency will be the topic of vigorous discussion when Karine Jean-Pierre, President Joe Biden’s former press secretary, and Marc Short, former chief of staff for Vice President Mike Pence, come to Miami for the biannual Janus Forum this spring.

Representing their respective political parties, Jean-Pierre and Short will address the aggressive and sweeping changes that Trump has enacted so far, often by executive order, to the nation’s federal workforce, global trade, foreign policy, immigration, higher education, and much more to deliver on campaign promises. Despite its sinking poll numbers, a worrisome economic outlook, and concerns about the health of American democracy, the new administration has been forging a path unlike any seen in our nation’s history.

The April 8 Janus Forum, entitled “Trump’s (Second) First 100 Days: Is This the New Normal?” will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Wilks Theater, Armstrong Student Center. As always, it is free and open to the public, but tickets should be acquired through Miami’s online Box Office due to limited seating. It will immediately be followed by a public reception.

“We anticipate this spring’s Forum to cast light on a range of topics during one of the most controversial starts of any American presidency,” said Patrick Haney, professor of Political Science. “It can be hard to even keep up with the daily headlines about the Trump administration, but our two guests are sure to tackle the issues with both enthusiasm and civility.”

“We are very pleased to welcome Ms. Jean-Pierre and Mr. Short here to Miami for the spring Janus Forum,” said John Forren, director of the Menard Family Center for Democracy. “Both of our guest speakers for this Forum have extensive recent experience at the highest levels of our government – as they say, they have been ‘in the room where it happens’ –  and they are both very well positioned to offer informed and quite distinct perspectives on the extraordinary nature of American politics today.”

Senior Political Science, Individualized Studies, and Women and Gender Studies major Grace Gaston will return as the �������� moderator of the event. She also serves as the outgoing �������� president of the Janus Forum.

“At a time of intense political division, the Janus Forum provides a crucial space for civil discourse,” Gaston said. “Bringing together speakers with differing perspectives allows our audience to critically engage with complex political topics and walk away with a deeper understanding of today’s political landscape.”

On the left: Karine Jean-Pierre

Karine Jean-Pierre is the former press secretary and senior advisor to President Joe Biden. She is not only the first Black and openly queer person to serve in this role but also the longest serving woman in the position. Jean-Pierre served in senior communications and political roles in the Biden administration, the Biden campaign, and in the Obama administration. Prior to this, she served as chief public affairs officer for MoveOn.org and an NBC and MSNBC political analyst.

In addition to presidential politics, Jean-Pierre served as campaign manager for the ACLU’s Reproductive Freedom Initiative, held office as deputy chief of staff and director of legislative and budget affairs for two members in the New York City Council, and also pushed major companies to change their business practices while at the Center for Community and Corporate Ethics. Jean-Pierre is the author of her memoir, Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America. She was born in Martinique and raised in New York, where she graduated from Columbia University.

On the right: Marc Short

Marc Short is a contributor for Meet the Press and CNBC as well as a Fellow at Georgetown University Institute of Politics and Public Service leading seminars on the realignment of our two political parties. He served as chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence and as assistant to the president and director of legislative affairs at the White House for President Donald J. Trump. As the legislative affairs director, he worked to successfully pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and shepherd through the nomination of hundreds of nominees, including Justice Neil Gorsuch.

Prior to this, Short was a partner at GuidePost Strategies, a commentator for CNN, and senior fellow at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center. He served as president of Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce and chief of staff for the House Republican Conference, chaired by Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN) and for Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX). Early in his career, he was the executive director of the Reagan Ranch from 1998-2001 and served as the executive director of Freedom Alliance from 1995-1998. He graduated from Washington and Lee University and received his master’s degree at the University of Virginia. 

Short was a guest for the Janus Forum four years ago on President Biden’s First 100 Days — a virtual event held during COVID. Haney on this point noted, “We’re excited to have him back, this time in person.” 

Offered twice each year, the Janus Forum is sponsored by the Department of Political Science, thanks to the generous support of Thomas W. Smith  ’50 and the Menard Family Center for Democracy.