Congressional Relations Summer 2026 Internship w/FDD Action

Internship Opportunities

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.

About FDD's Internship Program

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide meaningful professional development. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series featuring senior staff members in a small-group setting and are encouraged to strengthen their academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

FDD Action Congressional Relations Internship

FDD Action is seeking full-time and part-time Congressional Relations interns. FDD Action advocates for effective policies to strengthen U.S. national security. Interns will work closely with FDD Action staff on several of our congressional projects. Interns will cover congressional hearings, policy issues being considered by Congress, and complete other legislative projects on timely national security issues. FDD Action is looking for interns with broad research experience and an interest in the legislative branch. A strong applicant is detail-oriented, highly motivated, and proactive. While prior experience on Capitol Hill is a plus, the skills and network acquired during this internship will help those seeking opportunities on Capitol Hill in the future. Interns will learn how Congress operates; hone their written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; and gain experience in project management, legislative research, and critical thinking.

Career guidance and mentorship are also key elements of this internship. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in educational training and small group sessions where they will learn from issue area experts and FDD Action staff about their professional experiences. We also offer interns the opportunity to meet with policy experts one on one – an offer that remains open to interns after the internship. In your cover letter, please share a particular national security issue of interest, the reason for your interest, and your thoughts about the issue.

Eligibility

• Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
• Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science. Computer science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
• Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Application Materials Required

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)
3. Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
4. Unofficial transcript copy

Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.