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 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

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

“She’s going to have a bully pulpit, and she can talk to moms about how to care for their kids, what kind of food to give them.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 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