Speechwriters Fellowship


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The 2025 Speechwriters Fellowship: Thursday, October 8, 2026 – Monday, October 12, 2026

About the Fellowship
Founded in 2017, the Claremont Institute Speechwriters Fellowship combines an education in the principles of the American Founding with a study of modern political speech craft. Fellows meet over the course of the Columbus Day weekend to discuss and debate these important ideas. Upon acceptance into the program, fellows will receive a reading packet with designated primary texts and assignments, when applicable, for each course.

The Curriculum
This year’s curriculum will pay special attention to the dominant political themes that continue to animate the American political debate today: America’s founding principles, natural law, equality, American identity, globalism, multiculturalism, identity politics, and the administrative state–all with the aim of equipping fellows with the tools for a robust defense of the American Way of Life. Classes will be led by a combination of Claremont scholars and former presidential speechwriters.

Who Should Apply?
Speechwriters currently serving in the executive or legislative branches of the federal or state governments. Speechwriters working in the private, non-profit, or public sector may also apply. Aspiring speechwriters, who are strong writers and looking to learn the art of speech craft are encouraged to apply as well.

Required Information:

  • Personal information
  • Resume
  • Personal statement
  • 2 speeches
  • A writing sample (published or unpublished op-ed)
  • 1-2 recommendations (optional; may be mailed separately)
  • Transcripts (optional)

Location: Washington DC
2026 Application Open: December 1, 2025
Application Deadline: April 20, 2026
2027 Application Open: December 1, 2026


The Claremont Institute Speechwriting Fellowship far-and-away exceeded my expectations. From the rich reading material, to insightful lectures, to deep discussions with scholars and experienced writers, this fellowship painted a vivid picture of America’s timeless founding principles and the crucial role we as writers play in steering our nation towards them.

– Former Presidential Speechwriter, The White House

[The Claremont Speechwriters Fellowship] connected older traditions with a newer, younger generation charged with maintaining them. It served as a bridge between experienced speechwriters and newbies to the profession, and between scholars and those working in specific political offices. And it has helped me navigate on-the-job traffic that results any time pragmatism, personalities, and principles jockey for room at the writing table.

– Speechwriter, Department of State

The Claremont Institute’s Speechwriters Fellowship shaped my ability to craft powerful, persuasive messages rooted in the American political tradition. The mentorship and camaraderie at Claremont are unmatched. I left the program more confident in my ability to advocate for the principles of liberty and constitutional government.

– Samuel Mangold-Lenett, Writer for the Tucker Carlson Network