When it comes to trusted political journalism in the United States, Major Garrett stands out as one of the most recognized and respected reporters in Washington. Over the past three decades, Garrett has covered Congress, the White House, and multiple presidential administrations with a reputation for sharp questioning and in-depth analysis.
Many readers frequently search online for answers to questions like: Who is Major Garrett? Is Major Garrett a Democrat or Republican? Is he conservative or liberal? What happened to Major Garrett? What is his salary? In this detailed article, we break down everything you need to know about the veteran journalist.
Who Is Major Garrett?
Major Elliott Garrett was born on August 24, 1962, in San Diego, California. He grew up in a military family and later pursued higher education at the University of Missouri, earning a degree in journalism from one of the top journalism schools in the country.
Garrett built his career step-by-step, beginning in Print journalism before transitioning to television news. Today, he is best known as the Chief Washington Correspondent for CBS News, where he covers national politics and major government developments.
Quick Bio: Major Garrett
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Major Elliott Garrett |
| Date of Birth | August 24, 1962 |
| Birthplace | San Diego, California, USA |
| Education | University of Missouri (Journalism) |
| Profession | Political Journalist |
| Current Role | Chief Washington Correspondent, CBS News |
| Known For | White House coverage, political reporting |
| Podcast | The Takeout |
| Marital Status | Married to Lara Brown |
| Children | Three |
Reporter Major Garrett: Career Journey
Major Garrett’s journalism career began in newspapers, including work at The Houston Post and Las Vegas Review-Journal. His strong reporting skills eventually opened doors to national media.
He later joined CNN, covering Congress and national politics. However, Garrett gained widespread national recognition during his time at Fox News, where he served as Chief White House Correspondent.
While at Fox News, he covered the George W. Bush administration and became known for asking direct, policy-focused questions during press briefings.
In 2012, Garrett joined CBS News, marking a significant career transition. Since then, he has covered the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations and continues to be a leading political voice in broadcast journalism.
What Happened to Major Garrett?
Some online searches suggest curiosity about whether something dramatic happened to him. The truth is simple: nothing controversial or scandalous occurred.
Major Garrett left Fox News in 2010 to join National Journal before moving to CBS News in 2012. His transition was viewed as a professional move toward broader, in-depth political coverage.
In recent years, his podcast The Takeout evolved into a broader CBS News platform, reflecting changes in media consumption rather than any personal controversy.
Major Garrett Podcast: The Takeout
One of Garrett’s most popular projects is his political podcast:
The Takeout
The Takeout became known for long-form political conversations that go beyond daily headlines. Unlike cable news debates, the podcast focuses on thoughtful discussions with lawmakers, policy experts, and cultural figures.
The show later expanded into a CBS News streaming format, reflecting its popularity among politically engaged audiences.
Major Garrett Political Party: Republican or Democrat?
One of the most searched questions about him is:
Is Major Garrett a Democrat or Republican?
The straightforward answer is: Major Garrett does not publicly identify with any political party.
As a journalist, he is not a politician and does not campaign for office. His job requires professional neutrality. While he has covered Republican administrations extensively (especially during his time at Fox News), that does not mean he is a Republican.
Similarly, he has critically questioned Democratic administrations as well.
Is Major Garrett a Conservative or Liberal?
Another frequent search:
- Is Major Garrett a conservative?
- Is Major Garrett a liberal?
- Is Major Garrett a Democrat?
There is no public evidence that he has declared himself conservative or liberal. In professional journalism, especially at the national level, reporters are expected to maintain objectivity.
Garrett’s questioning style can be tough on politicians from both parties, which sometimes leads viewers to assume partisan leanings. However, tough questioning is part of responsible journalism — not proof of ideology.
Major Garrett Ex-Wife and Personal Life
Major Garrett was previously married to journalist Julie Kirtz, who also worked in television news. The couple later divorced.
In June 2016, he married:
Lara M. Brown
Lara Brown is a political scientist and academic professional known for her expertise in American politics and presidential leadership. The couple resides in Washington, D.C., and Garrett has three children.
Despite being a public figure, Garrett keeps much of his personal life private and focuses media attention on his professional work.
Major Garrett Salary and Net Worth
Exact salary figures for national correspondents are typically confidential. However, industry estimates suggest that high-level correspondents at major networks like CBS News can earn anywhere between:
$200,000 to $400,000+ per year, depending on experience, contract terms, and additional media projects.
Garrett’s estimated net worth is reported by various media blogs to range between $5 million and $8 million, accumulated through:
- Broadcast journalism
- Book publishing
- Public speaking engagements
- Podcast hosting
As with many public figures, exact figures are not officially disclosed.
Books and Authorship
In addition to reporting, Garrett is also an author. His notable book includes:
Mr. Trump’s Wild Ride
The book explores the 2016 presidential campaign and early Trump presidency, offering insight into political strategy and media dynamics.
His writing further establishes him as more than a television personality — he is also a political analyst and historian of modern campaigns.
Major Garrett’s Reputation in Journalism
Over time, Major Garrett has built a reputation for:
- Direct and detailed questioning during White House briefings
- Deep understanding of Congressional politics
- Nonpartisan political analysis
- Calm, measured reporting style
Unlike opinion-based hosts, Garrett positions himself as a fact-based correspondent.
In today’s polarized media environment, maintaining neutrality can be challenging. Yet Garrett continues to focus on policy, governance, and democratic institutions rather than ideological commentary.
Why People Search About His Political Views
Search engines show consistent interest in questions like:
- Major Garrett Republican or Democrat
- Major Garrett political party
- Is Major Garrett liberal?
- Is Major Garrett conservative?
This reflects broader public curiosity about media bias. However, Garrett’s professional record indicates he operates as a journalist — not as a political advocate.
Final Thoughts on Major Garrett
Major Garrett remains one of the most experienced and recognizable political reporters in Washington, D.C. From print journalism to cable news to podcast hosting, his career reflects adaptability and dedication to covering American politics at the highest level.
Whether reporting from the White House lawn or hosting in-depth podcast conversations, Garrett has maintained a steady presence in national political coverage for more than 30 years.
For more in-depth political profiles, media analysis, and breaking national news features, stay connected with The News Topics, your trusted source for reliable and detailed reporting across the United States.
You May Also Read | Jan Crawford CBS: Career, Family, Salary and Net Worth Explained
