Ross Douthat

Ross Douthat is a columnist, author, and commentator known for his work in American journalism, political analysis, and cultural criticism. Douthat graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He began his career at The Atlantic as a researcher, editor, and blogger, focusing on politics, culture, religion, and media.

Douthat joined The New York Times as a columnist, becoming the youngest opinion writer in the newspaper’s history. His columns address topics such as American politics, conservatism, religion, and social trends. Douthat is the author of several books, including "To Change the Church: Pope Francis and the Future of Catholicism," "Bad Religion: How We Became a Nation of Heretics," "Privilege: Harvard and the Education of the Ruling Class," "The Decadent Society," and, with Reihan Salam, "Grand New Party: How Republicans Can Win the Working Class and Save the American Dream." His memoir, "The Deep Places: A Memoir of Illness and Discovery," details his experience with chronic Lyme disease and explores the challenges of navigating the medical system.

In addition to his writing, Douthat is a host on the weekly Opinion podcast "Matter of Opinion." He has conducted interviews with public figures including Vice President Vance, Dario Amodei, Amy Coney Barrett, Hasan Piker, and Ben Sasse. Douthat is a nonresident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he studies American politics, culture, religion, and family life. He has also served as a visiting lecturer in law at Yale Law School and as a senior fellow at the Yale Jackson School. In 2026, he was appointed as a full-time correspondent for CBS News' "60 Minutes."

Douthat’s work often examines the future of conservatism, the state of American religion, and the challenges facing modern institutions. Through his columns, books, and public commentary, he contributes to ongoing debates in political journalism, religious analysis, and cultural criticism.