Essex political experts take part in BBC coverage of Trump inauguration

Essex political experts Professors Natasha Lindstaedt and Gina Yannitell Reinhardt played key roles in media coverage of US President Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington DC.

Both academics, who are from the Department of Government, have built enviable reputations in the media around the world for providing fresh, informative insight into US politics which is accessible to all audiences.

President Trump’s inauguration ceremony earlier this week was no exception, with both professors being called upon to provide expert commentary on such a monumental day; explaining what it means for the United States and the rest of the world.

In the week leading-up to the ceremony, Professor Lindstaedt was interviewed by several news outlets including CNN, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Scotland and BBC Suffolk. This was in addition to writing two articles for The Conversation website about the impact of President Trump’s second term in office.

Likewise, Professor Reinhardt was busy being interviewed by numerous media outlets including BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Wales, BBC Essex and BBC Three Counties Radio.

On the actual day of the inauguration ceremony, during BBC Radio 5 Live’s comprehensive news coverage they interviewed Professor Reinhardt in the afternoon, followed by Professor Lindstaedt later in the evening.

Professor Lindstaedt was also interviewed during the day by Al Jazeera, BBC Scotland and Heart Radio.

“I really enjoy getting the opportunity to talk about such important events around the world, and I certainly was never contacted by any journalist before I came to Essex,” explained Professor Lindstaedt. “Through the Communications Office I was linked up to local journalists and this has helped connect me to a much wider audience and I now get asked for interviews from news outlets around the world.”

Professor Reinhardt said: “It is always a privilege to speak with the media, and even more so when I’m contacted directly due to my expertise.

“We all have days that we remember throughout history, and for me US presidential elections and inaugurations are even more memorable because of the relationships and collaborations I have formed when speaking with the media about the events. And as an added bonus, family and friends get in touch after they hear me speak.”

Professor Faten Ghosn, Head of the Department of Government, added: “It's fantastic to see our experts engaging with a global audience, sharing their deep expertise and fostering meaningful conversations that transcend borders.”

Professor Lindstaedt also explained that working for the media has led to further opportunities.

“One article I wrote for The Conversation last year helped put me in touch with government officials in Canada, and I was invited to speak to Canadian parliament on Foreign Agent Laws in Georgia.  Due to my work on BBC Scotland, I was also invited to give the Stephenson Lecture at the University of Glasgow on Trump and the future of US politics,” she added.