What The Hell America!

In the halls of American government and federal law enforcement, courage often operates behind closed doors, in the quiet moments where integrity is tested, and in the difficult decisions that shape the arc of justice. Today, Ms. launches Profiles in Courage—a powerful new series spotlighting extraordinary women and men who have devoted their lives to public service and, in doing so, transformed our institutions from the inside out.

These profiles are more than stories of professional success—they are testaments to moral clarity, unwavering dedication and the quiet heroism that often goes unnoticed. At a time when public trust in institutions is frayed, these Americans stand as reminders of what ethical leadership looks like.

The series begins with women who have served in the Department of Justice, federal government agencies and the military—women who not only shaped policy and pursued justice but did so with profound personal risk. From Stacy Young, whose two decades as a senior trial attorney were defined by bold civil rights litigation and gender equity initiatives, to Danielle Sassoon, who resigned in protest rather than compromise the ideals of justice she was sworn to uphold, their stories show us what it means to lead with principle.

You’ll also meet Denise Cheung and Jocelyn Samuels, whose resignations amid ethical conflicts reflect a powerful and often underrecognized truth: that choosing the harder path is sometimes the most courageous act of all.

In the military sphere, Admirals Linda Fagan and Lisa Franchetti exemplify a different kind of trailblazing—one that breaks barriers and redefines what leadership in national security can look like. Their service underscores that commanding with integrity and vision can lead not just to strategic victories, but systemic reform.

A special installment of Profiles in Courage will chronicle the extraordinary heroism of the U.S. Capitol Police and their law enforcement partners on Jan. 6, 2021—whose valor in the face of insurrection stands as one of the most powerful modern testaments to duty, sacrifice and defense of democracy.

Across every profile, a common thread emerges: These women and men have faced down adversity, navigated impossible choices and prioritized justice over personal gain. They have stood alone, spoken out and stepped away when their values demanded it.

In telling their stories, Ms. honors the generations of public service and government workers who have labored—and continue to do so—behind the scenes to ensure that justice, fairness and integrity are not just ideals, but daily practices in public service. Their legacies light the path for the next generation of changemakers.

We hope you’ll join us for this ongoing series throughout the month of May as we celebrate these profiles in courage—and the enduring promise of public servants who choose principle over power.

The first installment in this series honors the work and valor of DANIELLE SASSOON, former acting U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York, who stepped down from her job at the Department of Justice in order to avoid carrying out a directive to drop federal corruption charges against Eric Adams. Read it here.