Dear John,

I started as the publisher of The American Prospect over the summer and it has been quite a ride so far. I took the job because we’re at a critical moment for independent journalism and for our publication’s future. 

In a media landscape increasingly dominated by corporate interests, hedge fund ownership, and billionaire benefactors, The American Prospect stands apart. We’ve spent over three decades delivering hard-hitting investigative journalism and policy analysis without a billionaire owner or corporate advertising. Our business model allows us to do what others can’t: tell the truth and hold the powerful accountable without pulling any punches. 

Our independence is our strength, but it also means we need readers like you to join us and become a part of our community of readers and supporters.

2025 is a critical year for our democracy. We face the looming threat of authoritarianism and corruption from a second Trump administration, Elon Musk and billionaire control over our politics and media environment, and the specter of ongoing threats to the free press. We need to come together more than ever. 

At this crucial juncture, I need to shoot you straight: we’re currently behind our year-end fundraising goal of $75,000. The Prospect doesn’t exist to make any owners rich or to increase shareholder value. We exist to serve you, the reader. We exist to tell you who has power, what they’re doing with it, and why it matters to you.  

That is what makes us different: every story we publish is driven by our concern for the public interest, not profit motives. I don’t lean on our editorial staff, kowtowing to pressure from advertisers or wealthy owners. I expect them to publish hard-hitting, crucial journalism, no matter who we’re writing about. That’s the power of reader-supported journalism. That is the power of your support. 

This kind of reporting comes at a cost. It requires investing in experienced journalists, supporting long-term investigations, and going to where the story takes us. Unlike corporate media, we can’t pay for this with Rolex ads in our glossy magazine or paywalls that mean only the wealthy can read our work. 

That is where you come in. Join our project and help us:

• Fund more hard-hitting investigative reporting

• Aggressively cover the incoming Trump administration 

• Keep our content free and accessible to all

• Maintain our complete editorial independence

If you can, consider becoming a sustaining member with a monthly donation. Monthly donations really help us with planning and budgeting in addition to supporting our journalism. 

Thank you for being part of our community of readers who understand that quality, independent journalism about ideas, politics, and power is worth supporting. Together, we can keep building The American Prospect into the media organization we need now more than ever.

Thank you,

Mitch Grummon

Publisher, The American Prospect

P.S. We understand if you’re not able to or interested in making a donation right now. You can opt out of our end-of-year fundraising campaign by clicking here.