Jasmine Baehr

Jasmine Baehr is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital covering politics, military affairs, faith and culture, and the legal debates surrounding life and family policy. Since joining Fox News Digital, she has reported on presidential politics, the military, abortion litigation, religious liberty, federal courts, and the public policy issues shaping American life.

Prior to joining Fox News Digital, Jasmine worked in Republican politics, including as a data analyst at the National Republican Congressional Committee. She holds a master’s degree in public policy. 

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What is your current position?
Writer, Breaking News, Fox News Digital

What inspired you to choose this career path?

As the daughter of a campaign manager, I’ve seen firsthand growing up that the press has always served as the fourth branch of the American government. My first unofficial campaign job was licking stamps on mailers for Schwarzenegger for Governor before I reached second grade. I’ve worked on campaigns as well as within the party ecosystem and was inspired by the nimbleness of media to really examine an issue from all sides to present a case to the people. I left the campaigning side of things after the 2020 cycle, and from then on pursued journalism with a unique background of both public policy (my master’s) and politics (my former profession).

What are you currently working on?

As a breaking news writer with Fox News Digital, no two days are ever the same—especially in Washington under Trump II. My work spans politics, culture, crime, public policy, and the stories that dominate and drive the national conversation. Of late, I have pursued many stories regarding the military, especially as tensions in the Middle East continue. I have also covered in-depth the legal battles surrounding the ongoing review of the abortion pill mifepristone.

What is your fondest memory of the Claremont Institute?

I loved all the conversations that occurred outside the classroom just as much if not more than the lectures themselves. Our class of Lincoln fellows still shares a Signal group chat where we add life updates or the occasional meme. I feel like I have another family after completing this program, the people here were and are immediate friends.

There are all sorts of educational programs out there for current and rising conservative professionals. What do you think makes the Claremont Institute’s Fellowships unique?

I think the complete immersion of the program presents a unique opportunity to engage with the texts and courses without the distractions of regular day-to-day life. All of us have careers and families we put on hold to participate with Claremont Institute, and the focus it requires inspires discipline in the room to maximize the experience.

Who would the person be, if you could have a conversation with an American Founder, or any great thinker, and what would you discuss?

I am fascinated by Benjamin Franklin beyond his contributions to the obvious—as a conservative born and raised in coastal California, I’ve always had to be diplomatic and read a room before speaking. His uncanny, ecumenical ability to secure seemingly impossible funding from the French monarchy for a rag-tag band of rebels in the New World can and should be studied in the Trump era just as much as it was in Washington’s time. Franklin’s letters are immortal and an absolute hoot to read, especially as someone who enjoys wordplay.

What qualities do you believe are necessary for effective leadership?

Humor is perhaps the least appreciated yet most important trait in a leader. The ability to diffuse tension in a room with merely a quip or a waggle of an eyebrow is not only an exercise in cleverness, but diplomacy. One must have impeccable timing and consideration for others to bring laughter where there was none. Leaders who can laugh at themselves are often the most secure in their convictions. Beyond humor, effective leaders must possess courage, humility, and conviction to make difficult decisions without becoming captive to public opinion. People can and will forgive mistakes, but rarely follow someone who lacks conviction.

What do you believe is one of the greatest challenges facing the United States?

As a millennial wife and mother, I am deeply concerned by falling marriage and birth rates in this country. Strong families are the foundation of a healthy society, and no government program, corporation, or institution can fully replace the sense of belonging they provide. When fewer people marry, fewer children are born, and communities become increasingly disconnected. Economic prosperity and technological innovation are important, but America’s greatness ultimately depends on her people and their willingness to invest in the next generation.

What do you believe has led to our established culture redefining itself in the 21^st Century?

In two words? Social media.

In stronger terms, the digital village has become a poor substitute for the literal village. Americans were once shaped primarily by family, church, neighborhood, and community. Today, many people spend more time being formed by strangers online than by the people sitting across the dinner table. In an era where the vox populi is measured in likes and shares, tech has amplified voices but often weakened institutions that help people flourish. It is definitely a remarkable tool but cannot replace relationships and responsibilities that give life deeper meaning.

What music, book, speech, or movie has left a lasting impression on you and why?

The answer for me is the same at 30 as it was at seven: Legally Blonde. People tend to remember the outfits but miss the point. Elle Woods refuses to accept that she has to make herself appear lesser to be taken seriously. She works harder than anyone in the room and earns her place through sheer competence. That lesson has stuck with me throughout my entire life: you don’t have to change who you are to belong in the room.

What books are you currently reading?

I am in my fourth year of reading the entire Bible cover-to-cover a little each day, a practice that has become both a source of discipline and perspective. Our Fox News Digital book club is currently reading Project Hail Mary, though I confess I am quite behind with an 18-month-old boy in tow. Between motherhood and breaking news, my reading tends to alternate between Scripture, history, political thought and whatever book is currently gathering dust on my nightstand.

Do you have a favorite quote?  Why does it resonate with you?

“You have not lived a memorable day unless you have done something for someone who cannot possibly repay you” is the motto of a small school in Aptos, California where I grew up. We had to repeat it daily until it was part of our little growing selves. Especially now as a mother, I see the genius in the beauty of sacrifice and service of others.

What is the most distinctive attribute/character of the people in the state where you grew up that you genuinely admire?

I grew up in California, and one of the things I genuinely admire is the optimism of the people there. Californians often believe big things are possible–whether that’s building a tech startup in San Jose or pursuing an ambitious Hollywood dream. Even amid the Golden State’s challenges, that rebellious spirit of possibility remains etched into its character. Fires, earthquakes, and high taxes can’t seem to stop the spirit.

What is your favorite hobby or way to relax?

I have always loved the art of making things beautiful. Whether finding the perfect dress, decorating a room, or helping a friend put together an outfit for a special event, I enjoy the creative process. Outside of that, some of my happiest moments are the extremely simple, taking a walk with my family here in DC along the Potomac River, reading with a cup of English breakfast tea, or encouraging a friend in prayer.

Where do you see yourself and this country in five years?

In five years, I hope to continue growing as a journalist and as a wife and mother. Professionally, I hope to continue telling important stories at Fox and contributing to the national conversation. Personally, I hope my family continues to grow and thrive. As for the country, I remain a cock-eyed optimist. America has endured periods of tremendous division before, and her greatest strength has always been her ability to grow without abandoning the principles that made her exceptional.

What does America mean to you?

America is the belief that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things when left free to pursue them. It is the conviction that our rights come from God rather than government, and that citizenship carries both privileges and responsibilities. America is an inheritance, one that each generation is called to improve upon and pass on. As a journalist, a wife and mother, I have seen America from many different angles. What inspires me is that millions of people still believe this country is worth loving, serving, and fighting for.