Justin Elliott
I am a ProPublica reporter covering business and politics.
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What I Cover
I report on money and power. I’m currently focused on the second Trump administration, but I’m always looking for under-covered business and politics stories.
My Background
I’ve been a reporter with ProPublica for more than a decade. In 2023, my colleagues and I 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 for public service.
I was previously on a team of reporters documenting how the rich avoid taxes for “The Secret IRS Files” series. I co-wrote a story revealing how tech mogul Peter Thiel turned a Roth IRA into a multibillion-dollar tax haven.
My work has spurred congressional investigations and changes to federal law. My coverage of TurboTax-maker Intuit’s misleading marketing tactics led to a settlement delivering $141 million back to consumers.
In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, I have won a George Polk Award, the Selden Ring Award and a Gerald Loeb Award for business journalism. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University.
You can send me feedback, story tips and documents via email at [email protected], or by Signal or WhatsApp at 774-826-6240.
If you want to better understand how I handle tips and story ideas, read my piece on the important role of reader tips in the Supreme Court series.
Romanian Prime Minister Is Staying at Trump’s D.C. Hotel
The stay is the latest example of Trump’s company doing business with foreign officials. Two attorneys general have sued Trump over the issue, accusing him of violating the Constitution.
Federal Authorities Raided Trump Fundraiser’s Office in Money Laundering Probe
A sealed search warrant obtained by ProPublica shows federal agents scoured Elliott Broidy’s office for documents related to China, Saudi Arabia and a Miami Beach club promoter.
Trump Inauguration Chief Tom Barrack’s “Rules for Success” — “Trump, Inc.” Podcast
Under Barrack’s leadership, the presidential inauguration committee raised a record $107 million and a lot of questions.
New Evidence Emerges of Possible Wrongdoing by Trump Inaugural Committee
The Trump inaugural appears to have overpaid for space at Trump’s Washington hotel, a possible violation of the law. Federal prosecutors are probing the festivities.
Confidential Memo: Company of Trump Inaugural Chair Sought to Profit From Connections to Administration, Foreigners
The memo outlines how Colony, the company founded by Tom Barrack, an investor who chaired the inaugural, aimed to exploit its connections to Donald Trump. Federal prosecutors are conducting a wide-ranging probe into the nonprofit that ran the inaugural.
Trump’s Inauguration Paid Trump’s Company — With Ivanka in the Middle
As the inaugural committee planned the landmark celebration, internal concerns were raised about whether Trump’s Washington hotel was overcharging for event space. The spending could be a violation of the law.
Trump Official Did Undisclosed Work With Scandal-Plagued GOP Fundraiser
Meetings arranged for Elliott Broidy, a major Trump fundraiser and former Republican National Committee official, should have triggered foreign agent registration, experts say.
Trump’s Patron-in-Chief: Casino Magnate Sheldon Adelson
The political mega-donor has never been more powerful. The Trump administration has advanced his ideological and financial interests, including an assist in Adelson’s quest to build a casino in Japan.
D.C.-Based Pro-Israel Group Secretly Ran Misleading Facebook Ads to Target Pro-Palestinian Activist
The well-funded group behind the campaign, the Israel On Campus Coalition, has links to the Israeli government.
Did You Go to a Washington Nationals Game With Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh?
Trump’s pick is a baseball fan who racked up considerable debt buying season tickets. Help us figure out who went with the nominated judge.