Cozen Oconnor Public Strategies - The Beltway Briefing

New York Democrats nominated a Democratic socialist in the Democratic primary for mayor, sparking national debate over the future of the Democratic Party, its ideological direction, and the role of moderates. What does this mean for New York City, New York State, and national politics? Meanwhile, have events in the Middle East bolstered President Trump's political standing and foreign policy chops? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer and Rose Christ.

Award-winning Wall Street Journal writer Gregory Zuckerman joins host Howard Schweitzer to explore how today’s political landscape is shaping global markets. Drawing on nearly 30 years of reporting, Zuckerman offers sharp insights into the intersection of markets, politics, policy, and culture. Featuring Public Strategies’ CEO Howard Schweitzer and WSJ’s Gregory Zuckerman.

With New York City’s primaries just weeks away, the political season is heating up. Who are the key candidates in the mayoral, comptroller, and city council races? What dynamics and strategic alliances are emerging? What role will federal decision-making play in shaping the city's future—and how are local candidates positioning themselves in response? Featuring New York Public Strategies’ Katie Schwab, Jamie Ansorge, and Ashley Thompson DiNardo.

As Republicans continue negotiations to finalize the reconciliation package and the Supreme Court takes up oral arguments on birthright citizenship, Trump heads to the Middle East to pursue a series of economic deals—from AI chips to a Qatari jet. Featuring Public Strategies’ Patrick Martin, Towner French, and Meagan Foster.

The Public Strategies team breaks down New York’s response to the federal landscape—from congestion pricing and the SALT cap to the high-stakes mayoral race. Plus, a look at the global stage: what the appointment of the new American Pope means for U.S. influence in the Vatican and beyond. Featuring insights from Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French, and Jamie Ansorge.

Back in office with the energy of a first term and unburdened by the political considerations of a second, Trump has acted with urgency to do what he said he was going to do on the campaign trail, deploying a high-stakes tariff strategy, shrinking the federal government, and enforcing strict immigration policies. But with bold action comes complexity, and the administration must try to manage a delicate economy and a changing world order. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

President Trump is leveraging bold strategies to pursue his economic and fiscal agenda. With Republican control of the executive and legislative branches, the party is pursuing symbiotic priorities: tariffs and tax cuts. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Towner French, and Kyle Anderson.

Trump’s tariff announcement disrupted global markets, catching international leaders and the business community off guard and fueling economic anxiety. Why the surprise? How can they still engage the administration productively? The news of the tariffs, along with elections in Wisconsin and Florida and Senator Booker’s marathon speech, gave Democrats a chance to show momentum. Did they present a fresh vision or fall back on the usual anti-Trump narrative? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Patrick Martin.

The first quarter of 2025 has been a wild ride in Washington, from the government shutdown that wasn’t to a shifting political battleground between the executive branch and the courts. Featuring Public Strategies’ Patrick Martin, Towner French, and Kyle Anderson.

Both the Republican and Democratic parties have consistently failed to meaningfully address the growing national debt and deficit across multiple administrations. Has this ongoing fiscal neglect paved the way for movements like MAGA to present alternative solutions aimed at restoring economic competitiveness? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Towner French.

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).