Margaret Hoover to Host Landmark Conversations with U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and General Stanley McChrystal (Ret.) Ahead of America's 250th Anniversary
ARLINGTON, VA; June 26, 2026 -- PBS today announced FIRING LINE SPECIAL: AMERICA AT 250 – PURSUING A MORE PERFECT UNION, a one-hour national special hosted by Margaret Hoover, will premiere on Friday, June 26, 2026, as the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
At a moment when Americans are reflecting on the country's semiquincentennial, the special brings together three distinguished voices from institutions central to American government: Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Neil Gorsuch, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and General Stanley McChrystal (Ret.).
As news organizations, cultural institutions, historians, educators, and public media outlets across the country mark the United States' 250th anniversary, FIRING LINE SPECIAL offers a civic conversation focused not on partisan politics, but on the enduring principles and institutions that have shaped the nation's democratic journey.
The program explores three pillars of American democracy:
The Judiciary — Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch reflects on the Constitution, judicial independence, the rule of law, civic education, and the role of courts in preserving constitutional government.
The States — Through a conversation with Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the special examines political polarization and participation, political violence, and how states help to fulfill the American dream.
The Military — Retired General Stanley McChrystal discusses civilian control of the military, service, sacrifice, leadership, and the military's unique role in defending a free republic.
Together, these conversations examine how these societal pillars are confronting challenges ranging from civil war and economic upheaval to technological transformation and political polarization. In addition, Hoover explores what’s next for these institutions that have preserved the American experiment and what will be required to sustain it for the next 250 years.
FIRING LINE SPECIAL: AMERICA AT 250 – PURSUING A MORE PERFECT UNION premieres nationally on PBS on Friday, June 26, 2026 and will stream simultaneously with broadcast on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS App, available on iOS, Apple TV, Android mobile and tablets, Android/GoogleTV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and tablets, Comcast Xfinity, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TV, VIZIO and LG Smart TVs.
FIRING LINE SPECIAL: AMERICA AT 250 – PURSUING A MORE PERFECT UNION is a production of The Documentary Group. Produced by Margaret Hoover and Tom Yellin.
About Margaret Hoover
Margaret Hoover is the host of PBS' FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER, a refreshing revival of the television series hosted by William F. Buckley Jr. for 33 years. Hoover is a bestselling author, strategist and political commentator whose experience includes serving on the White House staff of President George W. Bush, on Capitol Hill and on two presidential campaigns. In 2013, Hoover co-founded American Unity Fund, a political organization focused on achieving full freedom and equality for LGBT Americans by working with conservatives.
About PBS
PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 36 million adults on linear primetime television, 16 million users on PBS-owned streaming platforms, 56 million viewers on YouTube, and 10 million followers on social media, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature, and public affairs and to take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’s broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. As the number one educational media brand, PBS KIDS helps children 2-8 build critical skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality content on TV — including a PBS KIDS channel — and streaming free on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app, games on the PBS KIDS Games app, and in communities across America. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS LearningMedia for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. More information about PBS is available at PBS.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, Facebook, Instagram, or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Communications on X.