Experts in the News | Miller Center

Donald Trump in excellent health - White House doctor

It is up to the White House what data, if any, it reveals about Mr Trump's condition. It has a long history of picking and choosing what to reveal about its occupant's health, Barbara Perry, director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia's Miller Center, was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency. John F Kennedy (1917-63), she pointed out, disclosed war injuries but not the fact that he suffered from Addison's disease, a degenerative condition.

Barbara Perry

Trump's latest vulgar comments cast shadow over legislative agenda

"I was disappointed that more Republicans didn't denounce the vulgar language right off the top because I think you could still have a rational discussion about changing immigration law and denounce that language. And so the silence was very disappointing to me. I wish McConnell and some of the other senators had come forward and really shut it down."

Mary Kate Cary

The year that was 1968: 50 years later it remains a rare point in history

“The biggest theme is people were in an apocalyptic mood in 1968 because it seemed like so many things that had seemed dependable in their worlds were crumbling,” said Ken Hughes, a historian with the Miller Center at the University of Virginia.

Ken Hughes

Trump to get first presidential medical exam amid questions about fitness

There is a long history of the White House picking and choosing what to reveal about the commander in chief’s health, said Barbara Perry, director of presidential studies at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center. For example, John F. Kennedy disclosed war injuries but not the fact that he suffered from Addison’s disease, a degenerative condition. Perry said she believes presidents should be subject to a raft of tests to establish they are fit to serve.

Barbara Perry

Why presidential language matters

Most presidents feel a responsibility to reach out beyond their core constituencies, says Brian Balogh, a professor of history at the University of Virginia and co-host of the podcast, “BackStory.” “One of the most powerful weapons in achieving this end is language,” Dr. Balogh writes in response to a reporter’s email. “Using language that appeals broadly, and avoiding language that infuriates, demeans, incites, is crucial to achieving this end.”

Brian Balogh

Rosa Parks handwritten recollections

These are Rosa Parks handwritten recollections of her arrest on December 1, 1955, for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus.