Jake Pearson
I’m an investigative reporter covering the intersection of business and government.
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What I Cover
I cover the intersection of business and government.
My Background
I’ve conducted metro, campaign finance and national political investigations for ProPublica since 2018. Last year, I investigated New York’s troubled guardianship system and found that it was failing thousands of elderly and infirm people who could not care for themselves. My stories prompted the state attorney general to launch an investigation and the courts to appoint a special counsel to oversee changes. Other work has spurred criminal prosecutions and oversight hearings and has been recognized with various journalism awards.
Previously, I worked for The Associated Press, NBC News and the New York Daily News.
The RNC Gave Big Contracts to Companies Linked to Its Chairwoman’s Husband and Political Backers
The Republican National Committee’s conflict-of-interest policy says party contracts shouldn’t go to its employees’ family or financial associates. After Ronna McDaniel became chair, the RNC made questionable payments.
The RNC Stopped Paying a Data Firm After A Serious Breach. Then It Paid A Mysterious LLC With the Same Address.
Three years after the Republican National Committee publicly sidelined the sullied firm, it paid an LLC with the same address $900,000 for “data services.” The RNC said it wouldn’t “waste any more breath explaining these innocuous issues.”
Republican National Committee Obscured How Much It Pays Its Chief of Staff
Amid the record-breaking flows of cash, the RNC is giving lucrative consulting work to a select group of political operatives with Trump campaign ties.
Donald Trump Jr. Went to Mongolia, Got Special Treatment From the Government and Killed an Endangered Sheep
During a summer 2019 hunting trip, Donald Trump Jr. killed a rare argali sheep. The Mongolian government issued him a hunting permit retroactively and he met with the country’s president.
Giuliani Was Close to a Podcast Deal With the News Outlet That Spread His Ukraine Conspiracies
The president’s lawyer was negotiating a possible deal to co-produce a podcast with the publication — and The Hill’s John Solomon helped with the talks even as his articles were used in a disinformation campaign.
How a Veteran Reporter Worked with Giuliani’s Associates to Launch the Ukraine Conspiracy
Lev Parnas, recently indicted for foreign influence in U.S. elections, collaborated closely with The Hill’s John Solomon to fuel spurious allegations involving the Bidens and Ukraine.
While Trump Cracked Down on Immigration, a Republican Megadonor Sued for a Special Visa
Shipping supplies billionaires Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein frequently back “America First” candidates and causes. When it comes to their own company, it’s a different matter.
A Brief Guide to Giuliani’s Questionable Friends in Ukraine — “Trump, Inc.” Podcast
Rudy Giuliani has been looking for “corruption” in Ukraine. It’s easy to find among the very people he’s befriended.
Want to Meet With the Trump Administration? Donald Trump Jr.’s Hunting Buddy Can Help
Tommy Hicks Jr. isn’t in government, but he’s a longtime pal of the president’s son. That has put him in the room when the administration talks China and 5G policy, and it lets him help others — including one friend who had $143 million riding on the outcome.
How We Found Donald Trump Jr.’s Secret Investment in a Fundraiser’s Business
What do an ice rink in Central Park and a golf course in the Bronx have to do with a greenhouse in Texas? Decoding a Trump mystery.