Michael McKenna
Columns by Michael McKenna
Save consumers, shrink government, repeal CAFE standards
The Trump administration last week perpetuated one of the most pointless federal policies: an updated set of corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. Published December 10, 2025
The melancholy of Christmas
There is a pervasive myth that suicide rates spike during Christmas time. Published December 7, 2025
Deadly National Guard attack and British grooming gang scandal demonstrate immigration gone wrong
Last week, in the capital of the free world and about two blocks from the White House, an Afghan national who had fought on behalf of U.S. interests in Afghanistan shot two National Guard members. Published December 3, 2025
Republicans face a radical, generational shift the establishment refuses to recognize
Lots of ink has been spilled about the Nick Fuentes appearance on Tucker Carlson's podcast. Published November 30, 2025
Thanksgiving offers the perfect time to reconnect with friends and extended family
A few weeks ago, one of my best friends from high school -- who I had lost track of in the long and busy tunnel of time -- died while in Europe from complications associated with Parkinson's disease. Published November 26, 2025
Thanksgiving gratitude must include hardship, not just harvest
The first Thanksgiving on American soil probably occurred in May 1541 near what is now Canyon, Texas, where Father Juan de Padilla said Mass for an army of 1,500 soldiers. Published November 23, 2025
Why America remains the world’s greatest nation
I was asked recently why I was such a homer for the United States despite our numerous and obvious defects. Published November 19, 2025
The filibuster: Essential to a free Congress’ survival
Upon returning from foreign travel and discovering that Congress had not yet settled on a solution to the shutdown, President Trump suggested that Senate Republicans amend Senate Rule 22. Published November 16, 2025
Another government shutdown, another pointless waste of time
Given the noise from the left, it is now obvious that a pretty significant chunk of the Democrats didn't really have a plan, or even the intention, to end the government shutdown. Published November 12, 2025
United States remains mankind’s last, best hope
For most of our history, Americans have been relentlessly positive and optimistic. Unfortunately, that may be changing. Published November 9, 2025
People are voting with their feet
I began a recent column by noting that over the last decade, the state of New York had lost approximately 2 million people while New Jersey and Illinois had each lost around 500,000. Published November 5, 2025
Gerrymandering, migration and political violence set the stage for America’s great unraveling
We live in uncertain times, and three key features of the current landscape increase the likelihood of political violence. Published November 2, 2025
Republicans should attack on health care
Why haven't voters been more concerned about the shutdown, lapse, or whatever? Part of the answer is that 80% of government functions keep sailing right along, more or less on autopilot. Published October 29, 2025
The Nigerian holocaust
When you hit church on Sunday, in between prayers for your family and neighbors and the state of your own wretched soul, take a moment to pray for the Christians in Nigeria. Published October 26, 2025
Voters backed Trump to fix the economy and the border, not obsess over wars abroad
It is not uncommon for presidents, especially as their tenure progresses, to spend more time on foreign policy than on domestic policy. Published October 22, 2025
Trump, the presidency and an American system that holds back absolute power
On Thursday, I found myself at the baptism of one of my great-nephews. Published October 19, 2025
Time for Trump and Congress to reset immigration policy
If our politics were not irreparably broken, President Trump's efforts to secure the border would be the opening act of a bipartisan agreement on how best to deal with immigration. Published October 15, 2025
Kabuki theater shutdown proves politicians’ addiction to drama over duty
Right before the most recent government shutdown/lapse/whatever, both sides were supremely confident that they finally had the other guys by the short hairs and would achieve ultimate victory. Published October 12, 2025
For the left, Jay Jones talking about killing his rivals is just everyday chitchat
In August 2022, Jay Jones, a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, the oldest legislative body in the United States, was listening to delegates pay tribute to Democrat Joe Johnson. Published October 8, 2025
Greenpeace wants to destroy the U.S. Constitution
For almost 240 years, the Constitution has been the law of the land and American courts have been the final arbiters of legal disputes in the United States. Published October 5, 2025
