Major Garrett is one of the most recognizable political journalists in the United States. Known for his sharp questioning, deep policy knowledge, and calm on-air presence, Garrett has built a decades-long career covering the White House, Congress, and national elections. From serving as CBS News’ Chief Washington Correspondent to hosting the acclaimed political podcast The Takeout, he has become a trusted voice in American political reporting.
In this detailed article, we explore who Major Garrett is, his age, real name, CBS career, military service, Instagram presence, salary, net worth, spouse Lara Brown, and his connection with Jim Axelrod, along with insights into his professional legacy.
Who Is Major Garrett?
Major Garrett is an American journalist, author, and political correspondent best known for his work with CBS News. Over the years, he has covered some of the most critical moments in U.S. political history, including multiple presidential administrations, elections, and national crises.
He is widely respected for asking direct, well-researched questions during White House press briefings. His style blends professionalism with persistent accountability — a hallmark of top-tier political journalism.
Garrett has also worked with other major news organizations before joining CBS, making him one of the most experienced political reporters in Washington, D.C.
Major Garrett Real Name
Despite the uniqueness of his first name, Major Garrett’s real name is indeed Major Elliott Garrett. Unlike what some assume, “Major” is not a nickname or military title — it is his given name at birth.
His distinctive name has certainly contributed to his memorable public persona in political journalism.
Major Garrett Age
Major Garrett was born on August 24, 1962, in San Diego, California.
As of 2026, Major Garrett is 63 years old.
With more than three decades in journalism, his experience spans from the Cold War era to modern digital political coverage, giving him a broad and historical perspective on American politics.
Major Garrett – CBS Career
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Major Garrett currently serves as the Chief Washington Correspondent for CBS News. He joined CBS in 2012 after working at other national outlets.
Key Roles at CBS:
- Chief Washington Correspondent
- White House Correspondent
- Host of The Takeout podcast
- Political analyst for CBS programs
He frequently appears on:
- Face the Nation
- CBS Evening News
- CBS Mornings
Garrett’s White House coverage has included administrations from both Republican and Democratic presidents, reflecting his nonpartisan approach.
Major Garrett and The Takeout
One of his most notable projects is the political podcast The Takeout.
The Takeout features long-form interviews with politicians, policymakers, journalists, and cultural figures. The format is conversational and often conducted over meals — creating a relaxed atmosphere for serious political discussions.
The podcast has gained popularity for:
- In-depth policy conversations
- Bipartisan guest list
- Balanced and thoughtful questioning
- Insight into Washington culture
Garrett later transitioned the podcast to focus on broader political storytelling under CBS News’ digital platform.
Major Garrett Salary
As a senior correspondent at CBS News, Major Garrett is considered among the top-tier journalists in Washington.
While exact figures are not publicly confirmed, estimates suggest:
- Annual Salary: Between $200,000 and $400,000
(Typical range for senior network correspondents in major U.S. networks)
His long tenure, leadership role, and podcast hosting likely contribute to earnings on the higher end of this spectrum.
Major Garrett Net Worth
Major Garrett’s estimated net worth ranges between $5 million and $8 million.
His wealth is derived from:
- CBS News salary
- Book deals
- Speaking engagements
- Media appearances
- Podcast hosting
Over decades in journalism, Garrett has built both financial stability and professional credibility.
Major Garrett Military Service
Despite his name, Major Garrett did not serve in the U.S. military.
The name “Major” often leads to confusion, but it is simply his birth name and not related to military rank. His career has been entirely focused on journalism and political reporting.
Major Garrett Instagram & Social Media Presence
Major Garrett maintains a professional presence on social media platforms, including Instagram and Twitter (now X).
On Instagram, he shares:
- Behind-the-scenes newsroom moments
- Political event coverage
- Podcast updates
- Occasional personal insights
Unlike influencers or lifestyle personalities, his account remains focused primarily on journalism and political reporting.
Major Garrett’s Education
Major Garrett graduated from:
- University of Missouri
The University of Missouri is widely known for its prestigious School of Journalism, one of the top journalism institutions in the United States.
His academic background played a major role in shaping his investigative and analytical skills.
Major Garrett Spouse: Lara Brown
Major Garrett is married to Lara Brown.
Lara Brown is a respected political scientist and academic. She has been associated with:
- George Washington University
She specializes in American politics, presidential politics, and political leadership.
The couple shares a strong intellectual connection, both deeply immersed in American political systems and governance.
They maintain a relatively private personal life despite their public careers.
Major Garrett and Jim Axelrod
Jim Axelrod is another prominent CBS News correspondent.
Both Garrett and Axelrod:
- Work for CBS News
- Cover national politics and major events
- Appear across CBS programming
While they do not have a formal partnership, they have collaborated in coverage and appeared together during major news cycles. Axelrod often handles investigative and field reporting, while Garrett focuses more heavily on Washington and White House coverage.
Their professional relationship reflects CBS’s team-based journalism model.
Books by Major Garrett
Major Garrett is also an author. He has written political books that analyze presidential leadership and American governance.
Notable work includes:
- Mr. Trump’s Wild Ride
This book provides behind-the-scenes insight into the early years of the Trump presidency, based on Garrett’s White House reporting experience.
His writing style combines journalistic storytelling with political analysis, making complex governance issues accessible to general readers.
Career Before CBS News
Before joining CBS News, Garrett worked at:
- Fox News (Chief White House Correspondent)
- National Journal
His move from Fox News to CBS News marked a significant shift in his career trajectory, further solidifying his reputation in mainstream political journalism.
Journalism Style and Reputation
Major Garrett is known for:
- Direct questioning during press briefings
- Deep policy understanding
- Calm and controlled delivery
- Non-sensationalist reporting
- Balanced political perspective
He is widely respected among journalists for maintaining professionalism even during tense political climates.
Major Garrett’s Influence in Political Journalism
In an era of rapid digital media transformation, Major Garrett represents the traditional model of fact-based political journalism.
His long-form interviews, policy-driven focus, and institutional knowledge of Washington politics make him an important figure in maintaining standards of political reporting.
Through his work at CBS and his podcast, he bridges traditional broadcast journalism and modern digital storytelling.
Conclusion
Major Garrett is far more than just a familiar face on television. At 63 years old, he continues to shape political discourse through thoughtful journalism and in-depth analysis. From his early reporting days to his current role at CBS News, Garrett has demonstrated commitment to accountability, clarity, and fairness.
With a strong academic background, a respected spouse in Lara Brown, a successful podcast (The Takeout), and decades of high-level political coverage, Major Garrett remains one of America’s most credible political correspondents.
His career reflects resilience, adaptability, and professionalism in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
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