Robert Costa, national political reporter for The Washington Post and a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, will discuss “Inside Trump’s Washington: The Rise and Stall of an Outsider President,” 6-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 16, at the Save Mart Center as part of the President’s Lecture Series. The talk is free and open to the public.

The President’s Lecture Series features prominent national guests invited to campus by Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro. The series began three years ago, and Costa is the first speaker under the series’ new name.

Costa follows in the footsteps of national journalists David Brooks, New York Times columnist who spoke here in May 2016, and Doris Kearns Goodwin, world-renowned presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author who spoke a year ago.

Costa has regularly interviewed President Donald Trump since 2013, focusing on Trump’s political ascent. Costa has also concentrated on the evolution of the Republican Party and the battle for power within the GOP.

President Castro said Costa’s appearance continues the trend of inviting nationally known media figures to share their insights and experiences with Central Valley residents.

“As events unfold throughout our nation and civil discourse becomes more imperative for free speech and freedom of the press, these visits by professional journalists like Robert Costa and other notable figures provide a personal connection to the national mood,” said Castro. “Hopefully this opportunity will enlighten us to learn, be open-minded and respectful of each other's perspective even if we have differences of opinion.”