Amber Phillips

Washington D.C.

Politics Reporter

Education: Texas Christian University, bachelor's degree in international relations and Spanish

Amber Phillips explains and analyzes politics for The Washington Post and authors The 5-Minute Fix newsletter, a quick analysis of the day's biggest political news. She joined The Washington Post in 2015 and was previously the one-woman D.C. bureau for the Las Vegas Sun. She is originally from Texas and has reported from as far away as Taiwan.
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Latest from Amber Phillips

Is Hunter Biden’s pardon a good or bad thing for the rule of law?

It either strengthens it -- or undermines it, depending whom you’re talking to

December 2, 2024
President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden in April.

What to make of Trump’s Cabinet picks

On some Cabinet picks, President-elect Donald Trump’s strategy is clear: disruption and retribution.

November 28, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump with Pam Bondi during a 2018 meeting at the White House. Trump has tapped Bondi for attorney general in his incoming administration.

How to argue about politics on Thanksgiving — with the facts

From tariffs to deportations, here are the facts about some of the heated issues that could come up on Thanksgiving.

November 27, 2024
National Thanksgiving turkeys Peach and Blossom before a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on Nov. 25, 2024. Here are the facts about political topics that might come up on Thanksgiving. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post)

Why Matt Gaetz is such a controversial pick for attorney general

Trump has been nominating loyalists to serve in his Cabinet, and nowhere is that more obvious than in his pick for attorney general: Rep. Matt Gaetz.

November 14, 2024
(Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

Trump demanded senators allow recess appointments. Here’s what that means.

Recess appointments would allow Donald Trump to bypass the Senate confirmation process, allowing him to install nominees without congressional hearings.

November 12, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump is demanding that Republican senators step aside to allow him to name top government officials without the Senate's input.

    What could change in a second Trump presidency

    Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States. Here's what happens next and what changes he could make during his second presidency.

    November 7, 2024

    What a second Trump presidency could mean for America

    A second Donald Trump presidency could bring about massive change: tariffs, a rollback of climate rules and a crackdown on dissent.

    November 6, 2024
    Donald Trump walks out to speak at a campaign rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Monday.

    Will Trump enact Project 2025? Here’s what’s in it.

    At least some of Project 2025 is expected to come to fruition in a second Trump administration.

    November 6, 2024
    A copy of Project 2025 is displayed during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 21.

    What Vance, Walz need to do to win Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate

    The debate between Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) will probably be the last before the election.

    October 1, 2024
    A banner outside CBS Studios on Monday in New York City promoting the vice-presidential debate.

    What Harris, Trump need to do to win Tuesday’s presidential debate

    Harris needs to define herself, while Trump needs to avoid gendered attacks.

    September 10, 2024
    Vice President Kamala Harris arrives in Philadelphia on Monday ahead of Tuesday's presidential debate.