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Alexandra Petri

Washington, D.C.

Columnist offering a lighter take on the news and opinions of the day

Education: Harvard College, BA in English, Classics Secondary Field

Alexandra Petri is a Washington Post columnist offering a lighter take on the news and opinions of the day.

Petri is the author of the upcoming "A.P.'s US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up)" and the essay collections "Nothing Is Wrong And Here Is Why" and "A Field Guide to Awkward Silences." She joined The Post as an intern in 2010 after graduating from Harvard College.
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Latest from Alexandra Petri

Chat with Alexandra Petri and tell her your jokes

Alexandra's Q&A with readers starts at 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday. Submit your questions now.

April 25, 2023

We will hold the country hostage until our demands are met — once we know them

Nothing says “We are serious about our demands” like “Kevin is rushing to determine what our demands are, and he is almost done!”

April 21, 2023

After the Dominion suit, things here at Fox will be different!

Memo to employees: We will be instituting a few reforms at this news-ish network.

April 20, 2023

Great ruling, 5th Circuit! I was feeling worryingly like a person.

Clearly I have been addled by having too many rights, too much autonomy. All the voting had gone to my head.

April 14, 2023

What Easter candy is your favorite? Alexandra Petri answered your questions.

Alexandra's Q&A with readers was at 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday. Read the transcript.

April 11, 2023

Every second on the yacht I wished I were in a Walmart parking lot

If someone with the power Clarence Thomas wields were not meant to accept such burdens, surely the Supreme Court would have adopted a formal ethics code.

April 6, 2023

What prize do I get for acing the quiz? Alexandra Petri answered your questions.

Alexandra's Q&A with readers was at 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday. Read the transcript.

April 4, 2023

Alexandra Petri presents: Real or fake? A history quiz!

Or, what happens when I spend my spare time making up Important American Documents.

April 4, 2023

Counterpoint: Maybe the president should get to do crimes

If my vote does not impart the elected officials of my choosing with unprecedented, extraordinary powers — then what was I even voting for?

April 2, 2023

We will stop at nothing to protect the children

Imagine if students read a banned book, or viewed provocative art, or learned some upsetting history — and then went safely home again? So awful.

March 28, 2023