National Security Expert; Think Tank Founder & President of Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Washington, DC, USA
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Clifford May Biography

Clifford D. May is the founder and president of Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a nonpartisan policy institute focusing on national security created immediately following the 9/11/2001 attacks on the United States.

Under his leadership, FDD has become one of the nation’s most highly regarded think tanks and a sought-after voice on a wide range of national security issues. He has helped assemble a staff and advisory board of the most compelling scholars and experts whose research, ideas, and recommendations have shaped important policies and legislation on terrorism, nonproliferation, human rights, Islamism, democratization, and related issues.

May has had a long and distinguished career in international relations, journalism, communications, and politics. A veteran news reporter, foreign correspondent and editor (at The New York Times and other publications), he has covered stories around the world, including datelines from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, the U.A.E., Bahrain, Oman, Sudan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Chad, Mexico, Argentina, Northern Ireland, Hungary, Kazakhstan, China, and Russia.

From 2016 to 2018, May served as a commissioner on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission that makes policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress in order to advance the pivotal right of religious freedom around the world, and integrate religious freedom into America’s foreign policy.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/05/2025.

Clifford May Videos

Clifford May - Middle Easr Forum Podcast

Clifford May - Middle Easr Forum Podcast

How a Think Tank Influences Policy in Washington.

  • How do I book Clifford May to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Clifford May

    Speaking fees for Clifford May, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Clifford May are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Clifford May, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Clifford May speak about?

    Clifford May is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Democracy, Journalist, Podcast Host, Political, Security & Defense, World Affairs
  • Where does Clifford May travel from?

    Clifford May generally travels from Washington, DC, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Clifford May is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Clifford May for your event is available upon request. Clifford May generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Brigitte Gabriel, Jim Sciutto, Jonathan Swan, Suzanne Kianpour and Clarissa Ward. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Clifford May for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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