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 surgeon general wields a powerful bully pulpit for health advice, and helps oversee the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

“The truth is that when you are police chief you have a bully pulpit, and what you say or fail to say is important.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2026

As an incumbent, Bass will always have the advantage of her City Hall bully pulpit, said Fernando Guerra, political science professor at Loyola Marymount University.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2026

It can also lean on the bully pulpit, issuing public statements, or launch a defect investigation, which can take months to complete and possibly lead to a recall.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 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