Cal Thomas

Cal Thomas is one of the most widely syndicated political columnists in America. Based in Washington, he is a wide-ranging social commentator, not a "beltway insider," who supports traditional conservative values and the American "can-do spirit." He'll take on virtually any topic, from the decline of the family to growing terrorism worldwide.

A syndicated columnist since 1984, he is the author of “America’s Expiration Date: The Fall of Empires, Superpowers and the United States” (HarperCollins/Zondervan, January 2020). His latest book is “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen in 50 Years Reporting on America” (Humanix Books, May 2023). Readers may email Mr. Thomas at tcaeditors@tribune.com.

Columns by Cal Thomas

Christmas' gifts from Congress and pork spending illustration by Greg Groesch / The Washington Times

Christmas’ gifts from Congress are choking America’s future

When Washington politicians speak of a Christmas tree this time of year, they are not referring to an actual tree. It means they've loaded up a bill with another kind of "green." Published December 23, 2024

Abortion versus saving the lives of babies and their mothers illustration by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

Saving the lives of babies and their mothers is the ultimate gift

In past years, I have suggested going beyond Christmas and other holiday gifts that will soon be forgotten, returned or worn out in favor of one that will last for generations to come. Published December 18, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris, left, speaks with President Joe Biden at the Democratic National Committee's Holiday Reception at Willard Hotel in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Biden admin’s scorched-earth tactics raise concerns before Trump transition

The soon-to-expire Biden administration is behaving as if an invading foreign power were about to take over and the house must be burned down to keep the "invaders" from succeeding. Published December 16, 2024

No peace on earth illustration by Linas Garsys / The Washington Times

Penny’s acquittal and killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO: No peace on earth, no goodwill

Before this time of year was hijacked by secular progressives as "the holidays" in deference to everyone -- except the ones who have a real reason for the season -- it was called Christmas. Published December 11, 2024

The Ford Pardon of Nixon Illustration by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

Preemptive pardons would violate our Constitution

Media reports say President Biden is about to issue a slew of preemptive pardons for people associated with his administration to thwart any "revenge" the incoming Trump administration might take against them. Published December 9, 2024

Illustration on Joe and Hunter Biden by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

Hunter Biden’s pardon

Clearly, President Biden didn't mean it last June when he responded to a question from David Muir of ABC News about whether he would pardon his son Hunter. Published December 4, 2024

Illustration on reform efforts in government agencies by Linas Garsys/The WAshington Times

Government institutions should not have eternal life

New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote something last week that gets to the heart of why Democrats, especially, but also some Republicans, fear a second Trump administration. Published December 2, 2024

Thanksgiving history illustration by Linas Garsys / The Washington Times

The evolution of Thanksgiving

The annual American holiday called Thanksgiving formally began with an 1863 proclamation from Abraham Lincoln. Published November 27, 2024

Fluoride and toothpaste illustration by Greg Groesch / The Washington Times

Is fluoride good or bad? The science just keeps on changing

Florida Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo has joined Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in opposition to fluoride in the water supply. Published November 25, 2024

Pete Hegseth walks to an elevator for a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower in New York on Dec. 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) ** FILE **

Trump’s top Cabinet picks need vetting

There is a reason the founders wrote Article 2, Section 2 and clause 2 into the Constitution. They give the president the power to nominate people to high office. But that power is not absolute. Published November 20, 2024

Government Debt and Budget on a Fiscal Diet Illustration by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

Trimming obese government: Department of Government Efficiency could be the answer

Fifty years ago, when Ron Paul, father of Sen. Rand Paul, was running for Congress from Texas, a billboard featured an obese Uncle Sam with the caption "Let's put big government on a diet." Published November 18, 2024

Paying taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) illustration by Linas Garsys / The Washington Times

Trump should revisit the flat tax plan

If any constitutional amendment can be hated, it would be the 16th Amendment. Published November 13, 2024

Liberal news and media lies illustration by Greg Groesch / The Washington Times

Democrats self-examine, but not the mainstream news media

It's been a week since President-elect Donald Trump's landslide reelection, and some Democrats are using words such as "realignment," "self-reflection" and "regret." Published November 11, 2024

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Mint Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump has transformed the Republican Party

In the end, Vice President Kamala Harris was the wrong candidate with the wrong message at the wrong time. President-elect Donald Trump won the greatest comeback in American political history. Published November 6, 2024

Nikki Haley, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, listens to medias during her press conference before leaving Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, Aug.24, 2024. (Chiang Ying-ying)

Is it too early to talk 2028?

What can a columnist do when his deadline is Election Day and he doesn't know who has won the presidency and other offices? Published November 4, 2024

Illustration on a shadow U.S. government by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

A time to choose: Government is still the problem

Sixty years ago this week, Ronald Reagan delivered a speech in support of Barry Goldwater's presidential bid. It was dubbed "A Time for Choosing." Published October 30, 2024

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks at the Capitol in Washington, July 23, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Mike Johnson as Clark Kent

If Clark Kent had a twin brother, he might resemble House Speaker Mike Johnson. That includes Mr. Johnson's mild manner. Published October 28, 2024

Marijuana on the ballot in Florida illustration by Greg Groesch / The Washington Times

Marijuana is on the ballot in Florida

Marijuana has been made legal in 24 states, three U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. Published October 23, 2024

Harris targeting Republicans and conservative America illustration by Linas Garsys / The Washington Times

Harris seeks the anti-Catholic vote

A political rule of thumb is that candidates should never offend a large group of voters, especially close to an election. Published October 21, 2024

Iran Regime Change Illustration by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

Regime change in Iran is the only option

Toppling the theocratic regime in Tehran has become more critical as Iran nears the ability to produce and launch nuclear weapons against Israel and possibly the United States. Published October 16, 2024