The Steady State

Sentinel

New episodes drop every Tuesday!

The Steady State Sentinel is produced by The Steady State, a community of former national security professionals who spent their careers safeguarding the United States at home and abroad. Today, we continue that mission by staying true to our oaths to defend the Constitution, uphold democracy, and protect national security. Each episode features expert hosts in conversation with accomplished guests whose experience sheds light on the crises and challenges facing the nation.

Our Latest Episode

Trump, Corruption, and a Weaponized DOJ: Can a New Congress Fight Back?

Congressman James Walkinshaw on Election Threats, Corruption, and Congressional Oversight

Congressman James Walkinshaw (VA-11) joins host Bree Fram on The Steady State Sentinel to examine the growing challenges to American democracy and Congress’s constitutional responsibility to check executive power. Serving on both the House Oversight and Homeland Security Committees, Rep. Walkinshaw discusses the Trump administration’s weakening of independent watchdogs, allegations of government corruption, and the challenges of holding federal agencies accountable. From unannounced inspections of ICE detention facilities to congressional subpoenas and investigations, he outlines how lawmakers can confront executive overreach and defend the rule of law.

With Election Day just around the corner, Rep. Walkinshaw warns of efforts to undermine confidence in the electoral process and the possibility of challenges to the November results. He and Fram also explore the politicization of the Department of Justice, threats to the independence of the federal workforce, and the importance of preserving a professional, nonpartisan civil service. Despite these challenges, Rep. Walkinshaw makes the case for optimism, arguing that civic engagement, constitutional accountability, and meaningful institutional reform can help America emerge from this period with a stronger democracy. The Steady State has endorsed Rep. Walkinshaw.

About Our Guest

Congressman James Walkinshaw represents Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, a community home to a significant population of federal employees, military families, and national security professionals. He serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the House Committee on Homeland Security, where his work focuses on government accountability, constitutional oversight, and the protection of civil rights. Walkinshaw is the founder and co-chair of the Federal Workforce Caucus, advocating for the independence and professionalism of the federal civil service. Before entering Congress, he served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and as chief of staff to Congressman Gerry Connolly. He is endorsed by The Steady State.

Meet Our Hosts

Lauren Anderson is a former FBI national security executive who spent nearly three decades running toward the crises most people run from. An Advisor to the U.S. Comptroller General and the U.S. Army, she is a member of the Council on Foreign Relatio

Lauren Anderson is a former FBI national security executive who spent nearly three decades running toward the crises most people run from. An Advisor to the U.S. Comptroller General and the U.S. Army, she is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and The Steady State. She writes What We Choose to Defend, exploring the intersection of trust, security, conscience, and the rule of law.

Bree Fram is an astronautical engineer and retired U.S. Space Force colonel who served 23 years before being forced out by the Trump administration, including Pentagon assignments in space policy and national security planning. She has published thre

Bree Fram is an astronautical engineer and retired U.S. Space Force colonel who served 23 years before being forced out by the Trump administration, including Pentagon assignments in space policy and national security planning. She has published three books and is a former congressional candidate. She is a member of The Steady State.

James Lawler served for 25 years as a CIA operations officer in various international posts and as Chief of the Counterproliferation Division's Special Activities Unit. He was a member of the CIA's Senior Intelligence Service from 1998 to 2005. Lawle

James Lawler served for 25 years as a CIA operations officer in various international posts and as Chief of the Counterproliferation Division's Special Activities Unit. He was a member of the CIA's Senior Intelligence Service from 1998 to 2005. Lawler was a specialist in the recruitment of foreign spies, and he spent over half of his CIA career battling the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including serving as chief of the A.Q. Khan Nuclear Takedown Team, which resulted in the disruption of the most dangerous nuclear weapons network in history.

John Sipher worked for the CIA’s clandestine service for 28 years. He is now a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a co-founder of Spycraft Entertainment. John served multiple overseas tours as Chief of Station and Deputy Chief of S

John Sipher worked for the CIA’s clandestine service for 28 years. He is now a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a co-founder of Spycraft Entertainment. John served multiple overseas tours as Chief of Station and Deputy Chief of Station in Europe, Asia, and in high-threat environments. He is the recipient of CIA’s Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal.

Peter Mina is the founder of the Mina firm, a civil rights and federal employment law firm in Washington, D.C., and a former Deputy Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at the Department of Homeland Security, where he worked to integrate civi

Peter Mina is the founder of the Mina firm, a civil rights and federal employment law firm in Washington, D.C., and a former Deputy Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at the Department of Homeland Security, where he worked to integrate civil rights and civil liberties protections into the department's national security programs.