Celebrity
Who Is Alissa Mahler? Michael Knowles’ Wife
Alissa Mahler is an American researcher who gained public recognition through her marriage to conservative political commentator Michael Knowles. While her husband built a media career as a host, author, and commentator, Alissa has focused on academic research in psychology. Here is a closer look at her life, education, career, and family.
Early Life and Background
Alissa Mahler was born in 1990 in Nashville, Tennessee, in the United States. She was raised in Bedford Village, New York, where she attended school before later meeting her future husband. As of 2025, she is reported to be 35 years old.
Her exact date of birth has not been made public. Alissa holds American nationality and comes from a White ethnic background. She has largely kept her early personal history private, choosing to stay out of the spotlight despite her husband’s public profile.
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Today, Alissa resides in Los Angeles, California, alongside her husband and their children. Unlike Michael, who is frequently featured in interviews and media appearances, Alissa has maintained a low public profile, focusing her attention on her academic and research pursuits instead.
Education
Alissa completed her early schooling in Bedford Hills before enrolling at the University of Maryland in 2008. There, she studied for a bachelor’s degree covering both psychology and history, forming the foundation for her later academic focus on human development.
She also earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Yale University, the same institution connected to her early years with Michael Knowles. Her time there broadened her academic exposure beyond psychology into communications and writing-based coursework.
Beyond her undergraduate studies, Alissa pursued a master’s degree in social ecology from the University of California. This program allowed her to explore the relationship between individuals, communities, and their broader social environments.
She completed her academic training with a PhD in developmental psychology, also earned at the University of California. Together, her degrees reflect a sustained academic path centered on human behavior, relationships, and psychological development across different life stages.
Career and Professional Work
According to her professional background, Alissa joined the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in 2012. She served as the lead recruiter for a long-term study tracking adolescents, young adults, and romantic partners over time.
In 2014, she worked as a graduate student researcher at the University of California, Irvine. Her research during this period examined how involvement in the juvenile justice system affected long-term developmental outcomes among adolescents and young people.
Since 2016, Alissa has served as a graduate research assistant at the University of California, Irvine’s Center for Psychology and Law. In this role, she has helped organize speaking events centered on psychology and law for students, faculty, and community members.
Her responsibilities have also included coordinating networking opportunities connected to the center’s academic programming. This work has placed her within a professional network of researchers and legal scholars studying the intersection of psychology and the justice system.
Alissa has contributed to academic literature through more than a dozen published works connected to the Department of Psychology and Social Behavior. Her research output reflects years of consistent scholarly work centered on development, relationships, and behavioral psychology.
How Michael Knowles and Alissa Mahler Met
Michael Knowles and Alissa Mahler first crossed paths in the fifth grade, both playing in their school orchestra. Speaking during a September 2023 interview with activist Lila Rose, Michael recalled that Alissa was from Bedford Village, New York.
Michael, meanwhile, was from the neighboring town of Bedford Hills. He described himself at the time as the penultimate chair violinist within the District Orchestra, placing their earliest connection firmly within their shared musical activities as children.
The pair began dating in high school around 2006, maintaining their relationship through their college years and into early adulthood. Their long friendship gradually developed into a committed romantic relationship that would eventually lead toward marriage.
Engagement and Marriage
After many years together, Michael proposed to Alissa in February 2017, formalizing a relationship that had already spanned more than a decade since their high school years. The engagement marked the next step in their long-standing partnership.
Michael Knowles and Alissa Mahler married on June 3, 2018, at the Church of St. Michael in New Jersey. Their wedding celebrated a relationship rooted in childhood friendship that had grown into a lasting, lifelong commitment between the two.
Children and Family Life
Alissa Mahler and Michael Knowles are parents to three children. Their first son was born in early 2021, marking the beginning of their family life together as the couple balanced parenthood with their respective careers in research and media.
Michael announced the arrival of their second son on Instagram on August 2, 2022, sharing the news publicly with his followers. The couple welcomed their third child in June 2024, further expanding their growing family.
Despite her husband’s public visibility, Alissa has kept details about her children largely private. The family resides together in Los Angeles, where Alissa continues her research work while managing family responsibilities alongside her husband’s demanding media schedule.
Additional Facts About Alissa Mahler
Alissa Mahler shares her first name with Alissa Ann Linnemann, the wife of fellow conservative commentator Matt Walsh, who has six children with her husband. The similarity in names has occasionally led to public confusion between the two women.
In 2025, Michael Knowles received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Ave Maria University, adding another achievement to his growing public profile as a commentator and author within conservative media circles.
Alissa’s social media presence remains limited, and her Instagram account has not been publicly verified. She reportedly has an interest in animals and enjoys traveling, along with spending quality time with her family whenever her schedule allows.
Conclusion
Alissa Mahler is an accomplished researcher whose academic path spans psychology, journalism, and developmental science across institutions including Yale University and the University of California. Though best known publicly as Michael Knowles’ wife, her career reflects years of scholarship, research contributions, and steady commitment to studying human development, separate from her husband’s media career.
FAQs
1. Who is Alissa Mahler?
She is an American researcher recognized publicly for her marriage to conservative commentator Michael Knowles, with an academic background centered on developmental psychology and human behavior.
2. How old is Alissa Mahler?
As of 2025, Alissa Mahler is reported to be 35 years old. She was born in 1990 in Nashville, Tennessee, though her exact birth date remains unknown.
3. When did Alissa Mahler marry Michael Knowles?
The couple married on June 3, 2018, at the Church of St. Michael in New Jersey, following their engagement in February 2017 and a relationship dating back to 2006.
4. What did Alissa Mahler study?
She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, a journalism degree from Yale University, and a master’s degree and PhD in developmental psychology from the University of California.
5. How many children do Alissa Mahler and Michael Knowles have?
The couple has three children. Their first son was born in early 2021, their second son was announced in August 2022, and their third child arrived in June 2024.
James Byrd Rogers is best known as the son of beloved television host Fred Rogers, whose gentle presence shaped generations of children through Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Despite his father’s fame, James has lived a largely private life, stepping away from the spotlight while maintaining a quiet connection to his family’s enduring legacy and values.
Early Life and Family Background
James Byrd Rogers was born in 1959 in the United States, during the early years of his father’s rising television career. He is the eldest son of Fred Rogers and his wife Joanne Rogers, a respected musician and educator. Growing up, James experienced a childhood influenced by creativity, music, and strong family values rooted in kindness.
His younger brother, John Rogers, was born in 1961, completing the Rogers family. Both children were raised in a supportive household that emphasized emotional understanding, discipline, and compassion. Their parents maintained a balance between public life and private family time, ensuring their children had a grounded upbringing despite growing public recognition.
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Relationship With Fred Rogers
Being the son of Fred Rogers came with unique experiences and expectations. Fred Rogers was widely admired for his calm demeanor, moral clarity, and dedication to children’s emotional well-being. However, within the home, he was known as a caring and attentive father who prioritized family life over celebrity status whenever possible.
James Byrd Rogers has spoken in limited public discussions about the challenges of growing up with a widely recognized parent. While his father’s gentle persona was authentic, James has acknowledged that their relationship, like many families, included moments of discipline, structure, and learning, which shaped his understanding of responsibility and independence.
Education and Personal Development
Publicly available information about James Byrd Rogers’ education remains limited, as he has largely stayed out of media attention. However, it is known that he grew up in an intellectually enriched environment where education, music, and thoughtful communication were encouraged as essential parts of personal growth and development throughout childhood and adolescence.
His upbringing exposed him to artistic and cultural influences, particularly through his mother Joanne Rogers’ work as a pianist. These experiences likely contributed to his broader perspective on life, although he did not pursue a career in entertainment like his father, choosing instead to live outside the public eye and media spotlight.
Life Away From the Spotlight
Unlike many children of public figures, James Byrd Rogers chose a path of privacy rather than fame. He has maintained a low profile throughout his adult life, rarely appearing in interviews or media features. This decision reflects a conscious effort to separate his personal identity from his father’s well-known public persona and legacy.
There is limited verified information about his professional career, as he has not publicly shared detailed aspects of his work life. This absence of public records aligns with his consistent approach of maintaining privacy, focusing on personal life rather than public recognition or media involvement.
Public Appearances and Statements
Although James Byrd Rogers has largely avoided the spotlight, he has occasionally been referenced in discussions about Fred Rogers’ legacy. In rare interviews and family recollections, he has offered insights into his father’s character, emphasizing that the kindness seen on television was genuine and extended into everyday family interactions.
These limited appearances have provided audiences with a more nuanced understanding of Fred Rogers as both a public figure and a parent. James’ perspective has helped reinforce the authenticity of his father’s message, showing that the principles of empathy and respect were consistently practiced within their family life.
Family Values and Influence
The Rogers family was known for emphasizing strong moral values, including honesty, patience, and emotional awareness. Fred Rogers often spoke about the importance of understanding feelings and treating others with respect, lessons that were also taught at home. James Byrd Rogers grew up within this framework of thoughtful communication and compassion.
Joanne Rogers, who was married to Fred Rogers until his death in 2003, also played a significant role in shaping the family environment. As a musician and advocate for the arts, she contributed to a household culture that valued creativity alongside emotional intelligence and personal integrity.
Connection to Mister Rogers’ Legacy
Fred Rogers’ work on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which aired from 1968 to 2001, left a lasting impact on children’s television and education. While James Byrd Rogers did not directly participate in the production, he remains connected to the legacy through his family ties and the continued public interest in his father’s life and influence.
Over the years, documentaries, books, and tributes have highlighted Fred Rogers’ contributions, often referencing his family background. James’ role in this legacy is primarily as a private individual who experienced firsthand the values that his father shared with millions of viewers across generations.
Personal Life and Privacy
Details about James Byrd Rogers’ personal life, including his family, relationships, or current residence, are not widely available in verified public sources. This reflects his deliberate choice to maintain privacy and avoid media exposure. Unlike many individuals connected to famous figures, he has successfully kept his personal affairs out of public scrutiny.
This level of privacy is increasingly rare in an era of constant media coverage, and it underscores his commitment to living independently of his father’s public image. By limiting his public presence, James has preserved a sense of normalcy in his personal life.
Media Interest and Public Curiosity
Public interest in James Byrd Rogers has largely been driven by curiosity about Fred Rogers’ family. As audiences continue to revisit Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and related documentaries, questions about his children naturally arise. However, the lack of extensive public information has kept James somewhat of a mystery.
This limited visibility has contributed to respectful curiosity rather than intense media scrutiny. Most available information about him comes from reliable biographical references and family accounts, ensuring that public knowledge remains grounded in verified facts rather than speculation or unconfirmed reports.
The Passing of Fred Rogers
Fred Rogers passed away on February 27, 2003, after battling stomach cancer. His death marked the end of an era in children’s television, prompting widespread tributes from audiences, educators, and public figures. For James Byrd Rogers, this was also a deeply personal loss, as he lost his father and a guiding influence.
Following Fred Rogers’ passing, the family, including James, continued to honor his legacy through foundations and public remembrance efforts. While James did not take on a prominent public role, his connection to his father’s memory remains an important part of the broader narrative surrounding Fred Rogers’ life.
Continued Legacy Through Family
Joanne Rogers continued to advocate for Fred Rogers’ legacy until her passing in 2021. During this time, the family remained supportive of initiatives that preserved and promoted the values associated with Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. James Byrd Rogers, while not publicly active, is part of this enduring family legacy.
The Rogers family’s influence continues through educational programs, media projects, and public discussions about emotional well-being and kindness. Although James has not sought recognition, his place within this legacy is recognized through his connection to one of television’s most respected figures.
Conclusion
James Byrd Rogers represents a unique example of someone connected to immense public recognition yet choosing a life of privacy. As the son of Fred Rogers, he grew up within a family known for compassion, integrity, and thoughtful communication. Despite public curiosity, he has remained largely out of the spotlight, maintaining a personal life separate from fame.
His story highlights the balance between legacy and individuality. While his father’s influence continues to shape generations, James Byrd Rogers has quietly upheld those values in his own way, demonstrating that meaningful lives can exist both within and beyond the reach of public attention.
FAQs
1. Who is James Byrd Rogers?
James Byrd Rogers is the eldest son of Fred Rogers, the creator and host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. He is known primarily for his connection to his father’s legacy rather than a public career.
2. When was James Byrd Rogers born?
James Byrd Rogers was born in 1959 in the United States, during the early years of his father’s television career.
3. Who are James Byrd Rogers’ parents?
His parents are Fred Rogers and Joanne Rogers. Fred Rogers was a television host and educator, while Joanne Rogers was a musician and advocate for the arts.
4. Does James Byrd Rogers work in television?
There is no verified public information indicating that James Byrd Rogers pursued a career in television or entertainment. He has maintained a private professional life.
5. Is James Byrd Rogers involved in his father’s legacy today?
While he is part of the Rogers family, James Byrd Rogers does not maintain a prominent public role in legacy-related activities, and details about his involvement remain limited in verified sources.
Liam Costner has drawn public curiosity as the youngest child of Hollywood actor Kevin Costner, despite living a notably private life. Unlike his famous father, Liam has stayed away from entertainment, choosing a career in real estate instead. Here is what is verified and publicly known about him.
Early Life and Family Background
Liam Costner was born on November 15, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of award-winning actor, producer, and director Kevin Costner and Bridget Rooney. Kevin Costner is widely recognized for his roles in films and television projects such as “Dances with Wolves,” “The Bodyguard,” “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” and “Yellowstone.” He began his acting career in 1981.
Bridget Rooney, Liam’s mother, is not a mainstream actress but has been credited for a role in the short film “Zombie or Not Zombie.” She comes from a well-known American family and has largely stayed out of the entertainment industry herself, focusing instead on raising her children privately.
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Parents’ Relationship and the Paternity Question
Kevin Costner and Bridget Rooney reportedly dated for around three years but never married. Publicly available reports indicate the couple had already separated before Liam was born. Following his birth, Kevin Costner requested a paternity test to confirm he was Liam’s biological father.
Once the test confirmed his paternity, Kevin Costner took financial responsibility for his son and set up a trust fund to secure his future. Bridget Rooney has spoken about the pregnancy in past interviews, expressing confidence about who the father was and describing her excitement about becoming a mother at the time.
Growing Up Away From the Spotlight
Liam Costner was largely raised by his mother, away from the media attention that surrounds his father’s career. Reports describe him as someone who played baseball and football during his school years, reflecting an interest in sports rather than performing arts. He has not pursued acting, modeling, or any entertainment-related profession.
Because Liam has consistently avoided media interviews and public appearances, detailed information about his upbringing, schooling, and personal milestones remains limited. What is publicly confirmed is that he grew up primarily in California, with his father remaining financially involved despite not raising him full-time.
Half-Siblings and the Blended Costner Family
Liam Costner is part of a large, blended family. Kevin Costner has three older children, Annie, Lily, and Joseph, from his first marriage to Cindy Silver. All three have pursued careers connected to entertainment: Annie works as a film producer, Lily is an actress, and Joseph works as an actor.
Kevin Costner also has three younger children, Cayden Wyatt, Hayes Logan, and Grace Avery, from his second marriage to Christine Baumgartner. This brings the total number of Kevin Costner’s children, including Liam, to seven.
On his mother’s side, Liam has a half-sister named Kaitlin K.K. Koch. She is Bridget Rooney’s daughter from her marriage to American businessman Bill Koch. Altogether, publicly available reports describe Liam as having seven half-siblings across both sides of his family.
Education and Personal Interests
Specific details about Liam Costner’s education beyond his participation in school sports are not widely documented in verified sources. He has not disclosed information about his college education, and no reliable reports confirm where he studied beyond secondary school. In keeping with his overall preference for privacy, Liam has not shared details about his academic background, hobbies outside of sports, or personal interests through interviews or public statements, leaving much of his early adult life undocumented in credible media coverage.
Career in Real Estate
Rather than following his parents into entertainment, Liam Costner built a career in real estate. According to published reports, he has worked as a real estate agent, associated with the North Palm Beach County Realtor Frankel Bell Group in Florida. Beyond this, little else about his professional achievements or day-to-day work has been made public, as he does not maintain a visible media presence tied to his career.
His decision to pursue real estate instead of acting or producing has been noted by several publications as a deliberate move to build an identity separate from his father’s fame. Unlike his older half-siblings, who worked in film and television, Liam appears to have chosen a path rooted in business rather than performance.
Life Away From Hollywood
Liam Costner has maintained a consistently low public profile throughout his life. He does not appear to have an active presence on mainstream social media platforms comparable to celebrity influencers, and he has not given interviews discussing his personal life, relationships, or career in detail. Much of what is known about him comes from occasional photographs shared by family members or acquaintances, rather than from statements he has made himself.
This preference for privacy sets him apart from many children of celebrities who use their family name to build public platforms. Reports describe his relationship with his father as quiet but present, shaped by Kevin Costner’s decision to support him financially and acknowledge him as his son after the paternity test was confirmed.
Liam currently resides in Los Angeles, California, according to available reports, continuing to keep his personal affairs away from public scrutiny while maintaining his career in real estate.
Conclusion
Liam Costner remains best known as the youngest child of Kevin Costner, born from his relationship with Bridget Rooney. While his father’s paternity test and subsequent support became public knowledge, Liam has chosen to build his own identity away from Hollywood, working in real estate rather than entertainment. His half-siblings, several of whom work in film and television, contrast with his more private, business-oriented path. Because Liam avoids public appearances and interviews, much of his adult life remains undocumented, and only limited, verified details about his career, family, and daily life are publicly available. What is clear is that he has deliberately distanced himself from the fame associated with his father’s name, choosing instead a quieter, independent route.
FAQs
1. Who is Liam Costner?
Liam Costner is the youngest son of actor Kevin Costner and Bridget Rooney, known for working as a real estate agent rather than pursuing an entertainment career.
2. When was Liam Costner born?
He was born on November 15, 1996, in Los Angeles, California.
3. Who are Liam Costner’s parents?
His father is actor and director Kevin Costner, and his mother is Bridget Rooney.
4. Does Liam Costner have siblings?
Yes, he has seven half-siblings: Annie, Lily, Joseph, Cayden Wyatt, Hayes Logan, and Grace Avery from his father’s side, and Kaitlin K.K. Koch from his mother’s side.
5. What does Liam Costner do for a living?
He works as a real estate agent, reportedly associated with the North Palm Beach County Realtor Frankel Bell Group in Florida.
Kevin Corke is a familiar face to American television audiences, known for his decades of reporting from the White House and major news events across the country. As a correspondent for Fox News, he has become one of the most recognizable political journalists in Washington, D.C., covering four separate presidential administrations throughout his career.
Kevin Corke’s Journalism Background
Corke’s career in broadcast journalism spans more than three decades, beginning long before he became a household name in political reporting. He built his early reputation as a versatile broadcaster, working across both sports and news divisions before eventually settling into the high-pressure world of national political coverage in Washington.
Before his political reporting career, Corke worked extensively in sports broadcasting. He served as an anchor and coordinating producer at ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, where he anchored SportsCenter, the network’s flagship program. He also worked as a sportscaster at KUSA-TV, the NBC affiliate in Denver, Colorado.
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During his time with ESPN and NBC, Corke covered major international sporting events, including the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and in Torino in 2006. His sports background gave him broad on-camera experience before he transitioned into full-time news reporting.
Education at University of Colorado and Harvard
Corke earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from the University of Colorado Boulder. According to the university’s own alumni records, he graduated as part of the class of 1988. He later returned to campus to deliver the annual John E. Holden Journalism Lecture in October 2007.
Corke also pursued graduate studies at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, where he received the prestigious Littauer Fellow citation. This honor recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to public interest service. He has additionally served as a board member of the Harvard Club of Washington, D.C.
Kevin Corke’s Career at NBC News
Corke joined NBC News as a national news correspondent based in Washington, D.C., serving in that role from 2004 to 2008. During this period, much of his reporting focused on the presidency of George W. Bush, as he was a member of the White House Press Corps.
Beyond the White House beat, Corke frequently reported from the Pentagon and the U.S. Supreme Court while covering national affairs for NBC. He was also part of NBC’s coverage of the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, one of the most significant news events of that year.
Prior to his Washington assignment, Corke worked as a news anchor at WTVJ-TV, the NBC affiliate in Miami, Florida. He departed NBC News in December 2008, closing out a four-year run covering national politics for the network.
Joining Fox News in 2014
Corke joined Fox News Channel as a Washington, D.C. correspondent on January 5, 2014. His hiring filled positions left vacant by the retirements of longtime correspondents Wendell Goler and Jim Angle, both respected figures in Fox’s Washington bureau at the time.
Since joining Fox News, Corke has covered four U.S. presidential administrations in total: the Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations. This extended tenure across multiple political eras has made him one of the more experienced correspondents currently working the White House beat.
His reporting responsibilities at Fox News have taken him well beyond domestic politics. Corke has reported from multiple continents on subjects ranging from international policy and trade to terrorism, contributing global perspective to the network’s political coverage.
In July 2018, Corke contributed to Fox News Channel’s live coverage of President Trump’s European trip, which included stops in Brussels, Belgium; the United Kingdom; Helsinki, Finland; and Glasgow, Scotland. Later that year, he also covered the 2018 G20 summit held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, traveling as part of the White House press contingent aboard Air Force One.
Corke figured prominently in Fox News’ coverage of the nationwide protests during the summer of 2020, reporting from Black Lives Matters Plaza in Washington, D.C. This coverage placed him at the center of one of the most closely watched domestic news stories of that year.
Corke also serves as a frequent guest anchor on Fox News @ Night, giving him a presence both in daily field reporting and in the network’s evening programming lineup. His dual role as correspondent and anchor reflects his standing within the network’s Washington operation.
Awards and Professional Recognition
Throughout his journalism career, Corke has received numerous industry honors, including national and regional Emmy Awards. These recognitions reflect his sustained contributions across both sports broadcasting and political journalism over more than thirty years in the industry.
Corke is also a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi, a historically Black fraternity with a long tradition of civic engagement and professional achievement among its members. His membership reflects an ongoing connection to the organization beyond his active broadcasting career.
Membership in the White House Correspondents’ Association
As a current Fox News correspondent, Corke holds membership in the White House Correspondents’ Association, an organization representing journalists who cover the presidency. This membership underscores his standing within the community of reporters who maintain regular access to White House briefings and official events.
His continued presence in this press corps, spanning administrations from both major political parties, has positioned him as a steady and experienced voice in the fast-changing landscape of Washington political journalism.
Conclusion
Kevin Corke’s career reflects a rare combination of longevity and versatility in American broadcast journalism. From his early years calling sports for ESPN to his current role reporting on presidential politics for Fox News, Corke has built a body of work spanning more than three decades. His academic credentials from the University of Colorado Boulder and Harvard University, combined with his extensive on-the-ground reporting experience covering four presidential administrations, have established him as one of the more consistent and credentialed figures in Washington’s press corps. While Corke has kept much of his personal life away from public scrutiny, his professional record remains well documented through his employers, his alma maters, and independent journalism sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What network does Kevin Corke currently work for?
Kevin Corke currently works for Fox News Channel, where he serves as a White House correspondent based in Washington, D.C.
2. When did Kevin Corke join Fox News?
Corke joined Fox News Channel as a Washington correspondent on January 5, 2014, replacing retiring correspondents Wendell Goler and Jim Angle.
3. Which network did Kevin Corke work for before Fox News?
Before joining Fox News, Corke worked as a national news correspondent for NBC News in Washington, D.C., from 2004 to 2008.
4. Where did Kevin Corke go to college?
Corke earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from the University of Colorado Boulder and later studied at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
5. How many presidential administrations has Kevin Corke covered?
Corke has covered four U.S. presidential administrations throughout his career: the Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations.
