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Don Gonyea Don Gonyea is a NPR National Political Correspondent based in Washington, D.C., and travels throughout the United States covering elections and the country's political climate. His reports can be heard on all NPR programs and at NPR.org.
Don Gonyea 2010
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Don Gonyea

National

Civil Rights Commission Set for New Leadership

Earlier this month, President Bush appointed Kansas City, Mo. attorney Gerald Reynolds to take over as chairperson of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The advisory panel had been led for more than half its 47-year existence by Mary Frances Berry, an activist who became a polarizing figure. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

Civil Rights Commission Set for New Leadership

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News

Bush Holds Year-End Briefing

President Bush expresses continued faith in Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and offers a hopeful outlook on Iraq, despite some setbacks. Bush made the comments in his year-end news conference. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

Bush Backs Rumsfeld, Remains Upbeat on Iraq

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World

Bush Defends Rumsfeld

In a White House press conference, President Bush says he will submit a budget that will halve the deficit in five years. And he responds to criticism of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's handling of the Iraq war. Hear NPR's Renee Montagne and NPR's Don Gonyea.

Bush Says New Budget Will Cut Deficit in Half

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Social Security Debate

Critics Say Bush Overstates Social Security Problems

The Bush administration has made Social Security reform a top priority in its second term. In arguing for partial privatization of the system, the president and his supporters warn of dire consequences unless something is done. Bush's critics say he is arguing for overly drastic measures. NPR Don Gonyea reports.

Critics Say Bush Overstates Social Security Problems

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Economy

Bush to Detail Economic Agenda at Two-Day Summit

NPR's Don Gonyea reports on the economic summit that President Bush will host in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday and Thursday. The Bush administration is using the occasion to unveil its second-term economic agenda.

Bush to Detail Economic Agenda at Two-Day Summit

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Economy

Bush to Hold Economic Conference

The White House opens a two-day economic conference in Washington Wednesday. Such conferences have become a biennial affair for President Bush, and this year, much attention will be focused on the two big issues the administration has set out for the second term: Social Security and tax reform. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

Bush to Hold Economic Conference

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The Second Term

Leavitt Tapped for Health Post

President Bush announces Michael Leavitt as his choice for secretary of Health and Human Services, replacing Tommy Thompson. Leavitt, a former governor of Utah, is now administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and was not among the expected choices. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

Bush Taps Leavitt for Health and Human Services Post

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Politics

Bush Picks Leavitt to Head HHS

President Bush announces Environmental Protection Agency head Michael Leavitt as his choice for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Leavitt would take over the post vacated by outgoing Secretary Tommy Thompson. Hear NPR's Don Gonyea.

Bush Picks Leavitt to Head Health and Human Services

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Politics

Kerik Disrupts Cabinet Process

Bernard Kerik's withdrawal as nominee for Homeland Security secretary Friday is the sole bump in President Bush's smooth replacement of exiting cabinet members. Nine secretaries are being replaced. Hear NPR's Don Gonyea and NPR's Liane Hansen.

Kerik's Withdrawal Shakes Up Cabinet Process

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National

Kerik Won't Fill Homeland Post

Former New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik has withdrawn as President Bush's nominee to head the Homeland Security Department. Kerik cited questions about the immigration status of a housekeeper/nanny he employed. Hear NPR's Scott Simon and NPR's Don Gonyea.

Kerik Won't Fill Homeland Security Post

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Politics

Bush Faces Political Dilemma on Intelligence Reform

Supporters of the stalled intelligence reform bill want President Bush to spend some of the political capital he mentioned earning upon reelection. But an aggressive push would put him at odds with House Republicans, who blocked the bill and have consequences on other issues down the road. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

Bush Faces Political Dilemma on Intelligence Reform

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World

Bush Winds Up Canada Visit

President Bush ends his fence-mending trip to Canada with a stop in the eastern port city of Halifax, saying thank you to Canadians who helped tens of thousands of Americans stranded when their planes were grounded after the Sept. 11 attacks. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

Bush Wraps Up Canada Visit with Thanks for Sept. 11 Help

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News

Bush Makes Visit to Canada

President Bush begins a two-day mission to Canada, downplaying disagreements between the U.S. and its neighbor over Iraq and trade issues. His trip is the first official visit by a U.S. president in nearly 10 years. NPR's Don Gonyea reports.

Bush Stands Behind Iraq Decisions on Canada Visit

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