Best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Peggy Noonan sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss the presidential election, Donald Trump’s second term, and her new book, A Certain Idea of America.

Noonan, a former speechwriter for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, details the Republican Party’s evolution since the 1980s and the party’s political and cultural missteps that provided a launching pad for Trump.

The Wall Street Journal columnist assesses controversial Trump Cabinet nominees like Kash Patel and Pete Hegseth and talks about the need for Republican senators to take their constitutional responsibility to advise and consent seriously.

Noonan reflects on her 50-year career in media and politics, what she learned from working in radio, and her advice for reporters covering Trump today. The devout Catholic also comments on Pope John Paul II’s role in the fight against communism and why Pope Francis confuses her.

Support for “Firing Line with Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Charles R. Schwab, Damon Button and Al and Kathy Hubbard. Corporate funding is provided by Stephens Inc.