Justin Elliott

Reporter

Photo of Justin Elliott

Justin Elliott has been a reporter with ProPublica, where he covers business and politics, since 2012.

In 2023, he and colleagues revealed how a set of politically connected billionaires provided lavish gifts and travel to Supreme Court justices over many years. Those stories won the Pulitzer Prize gold medal for public service.

He was previously on the team of reporters documenting how the rich avoid taxes for “The Secret IRS Files” series. He co-wrote a story revealing how tech mogul Peter Thiel turned a Roth IRA into a multibillion-dollar tax haven.

His work has spurred congressional investigations and changes to federal law. His coverage of TurboTax-maker Intuit’s misleading marketing tactics led to a settlement delivering $141 million back to consumers.

His work has won numerous awards. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, he has won a George Polk Award, the Selden Ring Award, and a Gerald Loeb Award for business journalism. His stories have been published and aired in outlets including The New York Times and NPR. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University in history and classics.

You can send him feedback, story tips and documents via email at [email protected], or by Signal or WhatsApp at 774-826-6240.

Thinking about getting in touch? For more on how Justin handles tips and story ideas, read his piece on the important role of reader tips in the Supreme Court series.

Red Cross CEO Dodges Congressional Questions About Cuts Around the Country

Congressman Bennie Thompson, who asked the charity for details about cuts to services, says he is “troubled” by the lack of answers.

Congressman Presses Red Cross CEO For Answers On Impact of Downsizing

Rep. Bennie Thompson said it is “critical” for the Red Cross to act quickly in response to problems reported by ProPublica

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The Corporate Takeover of the Red Cross

Red Cross CEO Gail McGovern, who was hired to revitalize the charity, has cut hundreds of chapters and thousands of employees.

Senator Wants Names of Red Cross Officials Who Didn’t Cooperate With Government Inquiry

‘American Red Cross Sunshine Act’ Would Open Charity to Outside Scrutiny

A House bill is being released today along with a government report citing a lack of oversight about how the charity spends the millions of dollars donated by Americans.

Red Cross CEO Tried to Kill Government Investigation

Despite public vows of transparency, CEO Gail McGovern lobbied a congressman to spike an inquiry by the Government Accountability Office.

Senator to Red Cross: Where’s the Transparency on Haiti?

“I still have a lot more questions for the Red Cross,” said Sen. Charles Grassley.

La Croix-Rouge ignorerait comment ont été dépensés des millions en Haïti

Les documents confidentiels soulèvent également des questions sur le nombre d’Haïtiens que la Croix-Rouge aurait aidés, déclarant que les chiffres avancés pour un projet seraient «peu représentatifss».

Confidential Documents: Red Cross Itself May Not Know How Millions Donated for Haiti Were Spent

The documents also raise questions about the accuracy of the Red Cross’ count of how many Haitians it helped, concluding the figures on one project were “fairly meaningless.”

Sen. Grassley Demands Red Cross Disclose Haiti Spending — And Gives Them a Deadline

The “disappointed” Judiciary Committee chairman wants a detailed breakdown of spending on projects, overhead and other issues.

Red Cross Holds a Press Conference In Haiti. It Doesn’t Go Well.

Haitian reporters demand answers from the Red Cross but don’t get many.

How the Red Cross Raised Half a Billion Dollars for Haiti ­and Built Six Homes (French)

Alors que le groupe s’est réjoui publiquement des résultats obtenus, des témoignages internes décrivent une succession d’échecs

How the Red Cross Raised Half a Billion Dollars for Haiti ­and Built Six Homes

Even as the group has publicly celebrated its work, insider accounts detail a string of failures

Cuomo Reverses Email Purge Policy

Following outcry, aides to the New York governor announced that emails will no longer be automatically deleted after 90 days.

Emails Reveal Lobbyist Had Undisclosed Role In Cuomo Financial Crisis Investigation

Howard Glaser, a lobbyist and longtime confidant to Andrew Cuomo, previously denied he was involved in the then-attorney general’s investigations. Newly obtained emails show otherwise.

Red Cross Demands Corrections to Our 'Misleading' Coverage. Here's Our Response

A Sheldon Silver Mystery: Did He Betray New York Renters?

Prosecutors allege the state Assembly speaker made changes to rent regulation on behalf of a developer.

Senator Demands Answers on Red Cross' Finances

Prompted by an investigation by ProPublica and NPR, Sen. Charles Grassley asks the charity to explain how it has used donations from the public.

How Fear Of Occupy Wall Street Undermined the Red Cross' Sandy Relief Effort

Red Cross responders say there was a ban on working with the widely praised Occupy Sandy relief group because it was seen as politically unpalatable.

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