bully pulpit

American  

[bool-ee pool-pit, puhl-pit] / ˈbʊl i ˈpʊl pɪt, ˈpʌl pɪt /

noun

1. a position of authority or public visibility, especially a political office, from which one may express one's views.

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Etymology

Origin of bully pulpit

First recorded in 1905–10; from a remark made by President Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the U.S. 1901–09, in reference to the White House, “I suppose my critics will call that preaching, but I have got such a bully pulpit!”

Example Sentences

The Health Secretary has also used his bully pulpit to attack products he views as toxins, including pesticides and fluoride in water.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

Caruso also said he plans to use the bully pulpit to advocate for struggling residents and businesses.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2025

They enable them to claim a legacy and offer them a last opportunity to use the bully pulpit to rally the nation.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2025

That said, in just proposing this warning, Murthy is using his bully pulpit to bring national awareness to the importance of understanding how social media affects youth mental health.

From Slate • Jul. 13, 2024

“Minister Fraser is using funding and a bully pulpit to push municipalities to make necessary changes, because the government sees fourplexes as a palatable immediate solution to the affordable housing crisis,” he says.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2024