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.
Widely Cited Government Study on Iranian Spies 'Pulled for Revisions'
The study on Iran’s intelligence ministry has been taken down.
Revealed: America’s Arms Sales To Bahrain Amid Bloody Crackdown
New Pentagon documents offer a fuller picture of U.S. arms sales to the tiny Mideast nation.
How a Government Report Spread a Questionable Claim About Iran
A study leaked to the media says Iran has 30,000 intelligence operatives. But good luck finding the origins of the figure.
Watchdogs to IRS: Reject Rove Group’s Tax Application
Recognition by the IRS would allow Crossroads GPS, one of the biggest outside spenders of the 2012 elections, to keep its donors secret
How Dark Money Helped Republicans Hold the House and Hurt Voters
The GOP control of the House came despite more votes for Democrats. Republicans used dark money to control redistricting in many states, aided by other supposedly nonpartisan groups that leaned heavily to Republicans.
FCC’s Plan for Fixing Its Political Ads Transparency Site? It Won’t Say
The agency’s new system to put political ad spending information online turned out to be deeply flawed.
Meet the Think Tankers Advising the U.S. Military in Kabul
The military sponsors trips for think tank experts to consult with commanders in Afghanistan – and shape the debate back home.
Have U.S. Drones Become a 'Counterinsurgency Air Force' for Our Allies?
Drone strikes appear to be increasingly targeting those who aren’t plotting against the U.S.
When Dark Money Goes Local
How the Koch brothers' Americans for Prosperity is attacking a cap-and-trade program in New Hampshire.