Justin Elliott
I am a ProPublica reporter covering business and politics.
Have a Tip for a Story?
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.
How Politicians and the Press Overstated Military Budget Cuts by $100 Billion
Opponents of military budget cuts set to go into effect next year — as well as the media — have repeatedly cited an inaccurate, inflated figure
Political Ad Data Comes Online — But It’s Not Searchable
The new system is a big step forward for those seeking to understand campaign ad spending, but it’s far from perfect.
Lobbyist-linked Group Footed Bill for Rep. Burton’s Bahrain Trip
The Indiana Republican and his wife traveled on the dime of a group with deep connections to a lobbying firm, despite a ban on travel financed by lobbyists.
Key Senate Staffer on Military Issues Got Big Payout From Lockheed Martin
Ann Sauer went through the revolving door twice — from working as a Capitol Hill staffer to becoming a Lockheed Martin lobbyist to now returning to the Hill, just as the fight over defense cuts heats up.
Broadcasters Make Emergency Motion to Block Transparency Rule
The National Association of Broadcasters, an industry group representing television stations around the country, is asking a court to block the implementation of a new rule that will put political ad information online before it goes into effect next month.
Bloomberg on NYPD Counter-Terrorism Record: “We’ll Never Know.”
The mayor, who previously said the NYPD had stopped 14 plots, now says he believes it’s impossible to know for sure how many plots the NYPD has thwarted.
Fact-Check: How the NYPD Overstated Its Counterterrorism Record
Has the NYPD, celebrated as the nation’s top counterterrorism cops, really helped thwart 14 "full-blown terrorist attacks”?
Columnist Clarence Page Spoke at Rally for Iranian Militant Group
The syndicated columnist and Chicago Tribune editorial board member now says he will return the $20,000 he got to speak at a Mujahadin-e Khalq (MEK) event in Paris in June.
Political Ad Transparency Rule Clears Another Hurdle
Over the objection of broadcasters, the Office of Management and Budget OKs measure to put political ad information on the Internet.
Republicans Back Down On Effort to Defund Transparency Rule
A House committee drops legislation that would have blocked an FCC rule to put political ad data online.