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.

Congress Is About to Ban the Government From Offering Free Online Tax Filing. Thank TurboTax.

A bill supported by Democrats and Republicans would make permanent a program that bars the IRS from ever developing its own online tax filing service.

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.

Top Official at U.S. Embassy in Israel Is Owed Money From Israel Advocacy Group

An ethics expert questions why the State Department has cleared the arrangement.

Russian Oligarch-Linked Firm That Paid Michael Cohen Was Also Represented by Trump Lawyer Marc Kasowitz

The investment firm that the two Trump attorneys worked for, Columbus Nova, calls it a “coincidence.”

Whoops! Jared Kushner Made Even More Mistakes in His Federal Filings

It keeps happening. Jared Kushner filed the wrong information about two of his loans in Brooklyn. He has had to update his disclosure form at least 40 times.

Bank of Internet, Which Had Been Under Federal Investigation, Appears in Multiple Kushner Deals

The bank most recently played a role in a transaction involving a Kushner Companies loan in Brooklyn.

The Hidden Hand of a Casino Company in Trump’s Contact with Vietnam — “Trump, Inc.” Podcast

Trump’s first call with the Vietnamese prime minister was arranged by Marc Kasowitz, a Trump personal lawyer who has another client with business interests in Vietnam.

Wilbur Ross Overruled Career Officials at Census Bureau to Add Citizenship Question

The Commerce secretary wrote a memo arguing that the benefits of the controversial question would outweigh any harm.

The Trump Appointee Behind the Move to Add a Citizenship Question to the Census

The initial author of a key Justice Department letter wasn’t revealed — until today.

An Industry Group Says the Trump Administration Is Run “Like a Bad Family Owned Small Business” — And They Love It

A contractors trade association, in an internal presentation, mocks the president while praising him for cutting back on rules meant to protect workers.

Census Rushes to Respond to Request to Add Citizenship Question

The Census Bureau is exploring options about adding a citizenship question to the next census, amid a firestorm of protest about the controversial proposal.

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