Susan Hennessey

About the Author

Susan Hennessey is a distinguished legal scholar and national security expert whose incisive analyses have illuminated the intersections of law, politics, and power in contemporary America. A former attorney advisor at the National Security Agency, she brings unparalleled insight into the machinations of government institutions, particularly during times of crisis. Hennessey's writing demystifies complex constitutional issues, offering readers a clear lens on how executive authority is tested and transformed. Her debut book, Unmaking the Presidency: Donald Trump's War on the World's Most Powerful Office, co-authored with Moe Vigdor, earned critical acclaim for its rigorous examination of the Trump administration's assault on presidential norms. Now a fellow at the Brookings Institution and a frequent contributor to leading publications, Hennessey continues to advocate for the rule of law amid evolving democratic challenges.