Colbert I. King

Washington, D.C.

Columnist covering D.C. issues and politics
Colbert I. “Colby” King writes a column — sometimes about D.C., sometimes about politics — that runs in print on Saturdays. In 2003, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary “for his against-the-grain columns that speak to people in power with ferocity and wisdom." He is also a regular panelist on ABC’s "Inside Washington" and a regular commentator on WTOP Radio. King joined The Post’s Editorial Board in 1990 and served as deputy editorial page editor from 2000 to 2007. Earlier in his career, he was an executive vice president of Riggs National Bank, U.S. executive director of the World Bank,
Latest from Colbert I. King

What Joe Biden needs to say to Howard’s Class of 2023

The university is no stranger to U.S. presidents on graduation day.

May 12, 2023

D.C. leaders’ summit on crime should include some introspection

If ever there was a time to call together the key players in the District’s public safety and criminal justice ecosystem it is now.

May 9, 2023

In D.C., many killers were previously jailed. We deserve better.

For suspects and victims, previous contact with the criminal justice system is the norm.

May 5, 2023

Judgment day for Trump? It comes Nov. 5, 2024.

The legal system will chug along. Expect the voters to be the ones to render the ultimate verdict.

April 28, 2023

3 ways to honor D.C. autonomy and relieve the federal treasury

In a fight over D.C. self-rule, the city government and Congress could agree on a win-win.

April 21, 2023

An example of oversight from the D.C. Council? More of that, please.

Council members should do the job envisioned in the Home Rule Act.

April 14, 2023

Easter week in D.C.: A story of hope, a backdrop of despair

The march of senseless crime and violence does not pause during a holy time for Christians.

April 7, 2023

Inauguration Day 2025 could usher in a living nightmare for D.C.

It's time to wake up to what a fully Republican Congress and a second Trump presidency would mean.

March 31, 2023

A tough D.C. budget season will require a team effort

The best way to avoid another home-rule collision is for city leaders to do their jobs, work out their differences and present a united front.

March 24, 2023

The GOP’s attacks on D.C. home rule are just getting started

The city shouldn’t allow itself to be reduced to a punching bag on Capitol Hill, at least not without a fight.

March 17, 2023