Robert Schmuhl
American Studies
Walter H. Annenberg-Edmund P. Joyce Chair Emeritus in American Studies and Journalism
- American culture
- American politics and the media
- The Making of Irish America
- The U.S. role in Ireland's Easter Rising
- History of the modern presidency
Video
Audio
Schmuhl’s Latest News
Schmuhl in the News
OSV News
High court appears skeptical of Trump’s absolute immunity claim
April 26, 2024
“In this complicated case, the Supreme Court will be faced with deciding whether personal actions can be separate from presidential ones,” Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, who critically observes the modern American presidency, told OSV News.
Our Sunday Visitor
Catholics react to Trump’s Bible sale with concern and humor
March 29, 2024
Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame, who critically observes the modern American presidency, told OSV News that “there’s a certain incongruity and a strange marriage of ‘church and state’ in this blatant merchandising of the Bible.”
Newsweek
Joe Biden Faces Irish Anger on St. Patrick's Day
March 15, 2024
Robert Schmuhl, Professor Emeritus of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame and the author of Ireland's Exiled Children, said that while there were "brickbats of criticism" over Biden's approach to Gaza, Ireland and the U.S. still have "important and strong" ties.
WalletHub
Best Cities for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations (2024)
March 06, 2024
"Ask the Experts" Q&A with Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame and author of Ireland's Exiled Children.
OSV News
DeSantis ends presidential campaign, endorses former rival Trump
January 21, 2024
Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, who critically observes the modern American presidency, told OSV News that DeSantis “never fulfilled the expectations that many Republicans had for him.”
Newsweek
Ireland Turns on Joe Biden Over Israel
January 18, 2024
Michael Desch, a professor of international relations at the University of Notre Dame who specializes in international relations, told Newsweek: "Blood is generally thicker than water and President Biden has had a good relationship with the Emerald Isle over the years given his family ties to the Old Sod. But there are limits to how much Irish ancestry will make up for the gallons of innocent blood being shed in Gaza by Israel with the Biden administration's reluctant support."
Meanwhile, Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame and adjunct professor of law and government at Dublin City University, said: "President Biden's Irish heritage is important to his identity, but its value in Ireland is in jeopardy for what appears to many to be a lack of concern for the Palestinian people caught up in the war in Gaza."
OSV News
Trump wins Iowa caucuses as DeSantis edges out Haley for second
January 16, 2024
“More than anything, Donald Trump’s victory in Iowa demonstrates how much he and his political organization have learned since 2016,” Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, who critically observes the modern American presidency, told OSV News.
America
Catholic political scholars weigh in on Trump indictment in Georgia and 2024: ‘It’s not a happy prospect’
August 16, 2023
Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, who critically observes the modern American presidency, told OSV News the Georgia indictment “reads like a who’s who of Trump loyalists — and lawyers — at the center of the alleged attempt to change the outcome of Georgia’s presidential vote count in 2020.”
America
Trump’s Jan. 6 indictment puts the U.S. in ‘uncharted territory,’ Catholic scholars say
August 02, 2023
Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, who critically observes the modern American presidency, told OSV News that “as indictments and court cases against former President Trump increase, he becomes stronger with his supporters.”
Irish Central
On This Day: Sir Roger Casement sentenced to death
July 13, 2023
Robert Schmuhl is the Walter H. Annenberg-Edmund P. Joyce Chair in American Studies and Journalism at the University of Notre Dame and the author of "Ireland’s Exiled Children: America and the Easter Rising" (Oxford University Press).
Our Sunday Visitor
Catholic experts weigh in on Donald Trump’s latest indictment and potential impact on 2024 campaign
June 09, 2023
Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, who critically observes the modern American presidency, told OSV News the latest Trump indictment “doesn’t come as much of a surprise.”
Catholic Review
St. Anselm College defends and criticizes controversial CNN town hall with Donald Trump
May 16, 2023
Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame, who critically observes the modern American presidency, told OSV News that the town hall’s “major lesson is that mainstream media outlets need to be careful in giving Donald Trump a platform.”
Newsweek
Tucker Carlson Reveals He Was 'Excited' by Obama's Presidency
May 05, 2023
Robert Schmuhl, a professor emeritus in American studies and journalism at the University of Notre Dame, told Newsweek that for "Tucker Carlson to talk about race as he did in his recent speech just pours gasoline on a fire he started."
Newsweek
Fox News Loses Half of Tucker Carlson's Viewers
April 28, 2023
Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American studies and journalism at the University of Notre Dame, told Newsweek that Fox News' viewership drop is "predictable" and similarly occurred after the network called Arizona for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
Newsweek
Tucker Carlson Teases Fans With His New Plans
April 26, 2023
University of Notre Dame's Robert Schmuhl told Newsweek that, whether Carlson decides to remain in mainstream media or moves to more conservative outlets, he will "be a major player in the 2024 campaign on one side or another."
Newsweek
Don Lemon 'Stunned' After CNN Fires Him
April 24, 2023
Robert Schmuhl, chair emeritus of American studies and journalism at the University of Notre Dame, said that Lemon had "been skating on thin ice since" beginning his co-hosting duties on CNN This Morning. "Today the ice cracked, and the network decided to avoid future problems by letting him go," Schmuhl said.
Newsweek
Is This the End of Tucker Carlson?
April 24, 2023
Americans can continue expecting to see "much more" of Carlson in the future, the University of Notre Dame's Robert Schmuhl told Newsweek. "The question is: Where? Will he continue to play a role in the media, or will he decide to engage more directly in conservative politics?" Schmuhl said. "He'll be a major player in the 2024 campaign on one side or another."
Newsweek
The Rise and Fall of Don Lemon
April 24, 2023
Robert Schmuhl told Newsweek that the "morning slot really wasn't working very well for him," adding that Lemon's opinions and actions were becoming problematic for CNN. "An anchor at any news organization that wants to be perceived as impartial has to be very careful delivering opinions or analytical points," Schmuhl said. "In Don Lemon's case, he flew too close to the sun too many times, with comments that left many people shaking their heads."
Our Sunday Visitor
As Trump pleads not guilty, Catholic experts weigh in on impact of indictment on 2024 campaign
April 12, 2023
Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame who critically observes the modern American presidency, said that “the word ‘unprecedented’ is becoming the most common word associated with Donald Trump and his political career.”
InformNY.com
Syracuse ranks as a top U.S. city to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
March 15, 2023
“With some 32 million Americans – nearly 10 percent of the population – identifying as being Irish in a 2020 U.S. Census Bureau survey, there is a strong incentive to celebrate the ancestry and heritage of so many people. St. Patrick’s Day has traditionally provided the occasion for both celebration and contemplation. It is certainly a time to cheer but it is also a chance to look back and consider a relatively small place that has been so important to the development and history of the U.S. Many Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries considered themselves ‘exiled children’ from Ireland, and that sense created an enduring bond,” said Robert Schmuhl, Professor Emeritus; Chair in American Studies and Journalism, University of Notre Dame.
Catholic Review
Tucker Carlson’s Jan. 6 narrative engages in post-truth journalism, Catholic scholars warn
March 09, 2023
Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame who studies journalism and the modern American presidency, told OSV News that Carlson “is using the video that Speaker McCarthy gave him exclusively to try to create an alternate narrative to what happened on Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol.”
WalletHub.com
2023 St. Patrick's Day Facts
March 08, 2023
You can also learn more about the financial impact of St. Patrick’s Day from the Ask the Experts Q&A below. Robert Schmuhl, Professor Emeritus of American Studies, Walter H. Annenberg-Edmund P. Joyce Chair in American Studies and Journalism – University of Notre Dame & Author of Ireland's Exiled Children: America and the Easter Rising
Irish Independent
Republican leader Kevin McCarthy twists to victory, but now can he control the ‘crazy caucus’?
January 10, 2023
Robert Schmuhl is professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame and adjunct professor at Dublin City University.
Irish Examiner
The Mick Clifford Podcast: The Trump card — Robert Schmuhl
Audio
November 17, 2022
This week’s guest on the podcast is presidential historian, Robert Schmuhl, who is emeritus professor at the University of Notre Dame and Adjunct Professor in the School of Law and Government in DCU.
Irish Independent
What the failed Republican wave means for the 2024 US election
November 12, 2022
Robert Schmuhl is professor emeritus at the University of Notre Dame.
Iqna
Scholar Points to Concerns, Doubts over Minorities' Participation in US Midterm Elections
November 07, 2022
Robert Schmuhl is the inaugural Walter H. Annenberg-Edmund P. Joyce Chair in American Studies and Journalism at the University of Notre Dame.
RTE Radio 1
US prepares to go to the polls for mid-term elections
Audio
November 04, 2022
Bob Schmuhl, Professor Emeritus of American Studies at Norte Dame University, on the mid-terms, and former President Donald Trump's strong hint that he will be a candidate in the 2024 Presidential election.
Pravda
Political violence: fear of democracy overshadowed the US election (Politické násilie: strach o demokraciu zatienil voľby v USA)
November 01, 2022
"Nancy Pelosi has been and is the target of millions of dollars in Republican political ads. She has been called the devil and worse. The attack on her husband showed what can happen when such negative views turn into hate-fueled actions." Robert Schmuhl, an expert on American politics from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, told Pravda. ("Nancy Pelosiová bola a je terčom republikánskych politických reklám za milióny dolárov. Označovali ju za diabla a dokonca jej hovorili aj horšie. Útok na jej manžela ukázal, čo sa môže stať, keď sa takéto negatívne názory pretavia do činov, ktoré poháňa nenávisť,“ povedal pre Pravdu Robert Schmuhl, expert na americkú politiku z Notredamskej univerzity v Indiane.)
Irish Central
If US presidents could serve three terms
October 14, 2022
In his insightful and learned look at the presidency, Robert Schmuhl, a Notre Dame professor emeritus in American studies and author of "Ireland’s Exiled Children," provides some fascinating insights into why the pattern came about and the importance of the 22nd Amendment which bars a president from running for more than two terms, put in place by a disgruntled Republican Congress who wanted badly to see the back of FDR.
Map News
Ahead of the US Midterms, What Is at Stake ?
October 12, 2022
Dr. Robert Schmuhl, Chair in American Studies and Journalism at the University of Notre Dame, focuses on a much bigger picture, however.
Sandusky Register
Local theater rolling out red carpet
September 28, 2022
Dr. Robert Schmuhl of the University of Notre Dame will be speaking about the changing shape of the presidency throughout American history in his talk titled, “From Log Cabin to Trump Tower: The Presidency Amid Change and Conflict.”
Fremont News Messenger
Community Roundup: Film festival slated for Saturday in Fremont
September 27, 2022
The keynote speaker is Dr. Robert Schmuhl, University of Notre Dame, who will discuss the changing shape of the presidency throughout American history in his talk titled, “From Log Cabin to Trump Tower: The Presidency Amid Change and Conflict.”
Irish Central
Young female 1916 Rising fighter in the GPO tells her story
August 11, 2022
Kilmer’s life and this article feature in the forthcoming book "Ireland’s Exiled Children: America and the Easter Rising" by Robert Schmuhl, which was published by Oxford University Press in March 2016.
Irish Independent
If Trump were to lose again, would he succeed in overturning 2024 election?
July 30, 2022
Robert Schmuhl is professor emeritus of American studies at the University of Notre Dame and adjunct professor at Dublin City University.
Irish Independent
Is the US really on the brink of a second civil war?
June 04, 2022
With public hearings on the US Capitol assault set to begin next week, Robert Schmuhl surveys the divisions besetting his country — and explains why the outlook is alarmingly bleak.
Irish Independent
US democracy is still under threat a year after Capitol chaos
January 06, 2022
By Robert Schmuhl, professor emeritus of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame and adjunct professor in the School of Law and Government at DCU. He is the author of “The Glory and the Burden: The American Presidency from FDR to Trump.”
Express
Meghan Markle backlash as celebrities in politics branded ‘real danger’ after Trump
November 11, 2021
University of Notre Dame academic Robert Schmuhl, whose research has focused on the culture of celebrity in politics, claimed that celebrities with political aspirations were a “real danger” to American democracy.
Irish Independent
Big Read: Joe Biden’s Afghan humiliation: ‘This betrayal will live in infamy’
August 21, 2021
Robert Schmuhl is professor emeritus of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame and adjunct professor in the School of Law and Government at DCU.
Irish Independent
‘Revenge tour’: How showman Trump is ready to throw his hat back in the ring
July 02, 2021
By Robert Schmuhl professor emeritus of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame and adjunct professor at Dublin City University. He is the author of ‘The Glory and the Burden: The American Presidency from FDR to Trump’.
Irish Independent
Biden’s first 100 days: US president starts fast and aims high
May 01, 2021
By Robert Schmuhl professor emeritus of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame and adjunct professor at Dublin City University. He is the author of ‘The Glory and the Burden: The American Presidency from FDR to Trump’
VOA News
Politicians Use Hollywood Agencies to Build Image (Politisi Gunakan Agensi Hollywood untuk Bangun Citra)
April 19, 2021
Robert Schmuhl is Professor of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame. "Today's politicians - in most cases - already have a support base, loyal people, following them on social media, interested in their careers, whatever the phase of their career!" (Robert Schmuhl adalah Profesor Studi Amerika du Universitas Notre Dame. "Politisi jaman sekarang - dalam kebanyakan kasus - sudah memiliki basis pendukung, orang-orang yang setia, mengikuti mereka di media sosial, tertarik pada karir mereka, apapun fase karir mereka!")
Irish Independent
Book Brief: A new thriller from Gianrico Carofiglio, plus new titles by Mel Giedroyc and Claire Fuller
April 10, 2021
In these 15 insightful pieces, Robert Kennedy’s daughter Kerry, former Bernie Sanders adviser Tad Devine, Obama speechwriter Cody Keenan plus regular Review writer Robert Schmuhl are among the contributors who look at JFK’s enduring legacy.
Breaking News Ireland
New book on Kennedy's legacy, and Irish-US relations through to Biden
March 15, 2021
“There are some great pieces on Irish-American relations in the Kennedy era by Professor Mary Daly from UCD, Professor Bob Schmuhl from the University of Notre Dame and Felix Larkin, a well known Irish historian.
Irish Independent
Republicans still in thrall to Trump as he faces into Senate trial
February 06, 2021
Robert Schmuhl is professor emeritus of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame.
The Diplomatic Pouch
Episode 5 : The Inauguration
Audio
January 20, 2021
We speak to Robert Schmuhl, the Walter H. Annenberg-Edmund P. Joyce Professor Emeritus of American Studies and Journalism, John Podesta (Founder, Center for American Progress) and Elizabeth Goldsmith, FSU Professor Emerita & Fulbright Scholar and expert in inaugurations.
Irish Independent
Trump lived up to the nickname by disrupting in ways we never could have imagined possible
January 16, 2021
Robert Schmuhl is professor emeritus of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame.
RTE Radio 1
5 ways in which this inauguration will look and feel very different to any other
January 16, 2021
"It’s really been a rollercoaster," says Bob Schmuhl, Professor of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame.
RTE Radio 1
Trump makes history as he's impeached for second time
January 14, 2021
Bob Schmuhl, Professor Emeritus of American Studies and Journalism at the University of Notre Dame, discusses the second impeachment of President Donald Trump.
IQNA
Politics in US Has Become a Blood Sport: Scholar
January 11, 2021
“The past few days show that there are even sharp divisions within one of those tribes: the Republican Party,” Robert Schmuhl told IQNA in an interview, after mobs stormed the Capitol building in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.
WNIT
Politically Speaking - Discussing the Electoral College Vote Certification
Video
January 08, 2021
Robert Schmuhl offers his thoughts on the events of January 6th, 2021 when protests turned to riots as Congress certified the November election's Electoral College results and how this might impact the new administration.
Irish Independent
Donald Trump’s days may be numbered, but it is not in his nature to leave quietly
December 31, 2020
Robert Schmuhl is professor emeritus of American Studies at the University of Notre Dame.