Hi Reader,
It’s been a busy couple of days for our newsroom.
Yesterday we published a startling revelation that immigration agents have held at least 170 American citizens against their will. Our tally — almost certainly incomplete — includes Americans who have been dragged, tackled, beaten, tased, shot and held for days without a lawyer. It also includes nearly 20 children, two of whom have cancer. Hours after the article was published, the Department of Homeland Security dismissed the story and called it “fake news.”
We stand by our reporting. It relied on footage that anyone can watch for themselves. We also explained at the end of the article exactly how we did our reporting.
Then today, we published our latest deep dive into how director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought, became Trump’s “Shadow President”, consolidating power to an extent that insiders say makes them feel like “he is the commander in chief.” Vought declined to be interviewed for this story, and a spokesperson for Vought at the OMB would not comment on the record in response to a detailed list of questions.
At a time when the truth is often ignored or challenged, our commitment to fact-based reporting remains steadfast. At ProPublica, we take the truth seriously, and we follow the facts wherever they lead. And for nearly two decades, we have seen that fiercely protected editorial independence, unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and fact-based reporting in the public interest can inspire action and reform.
As a reader of ProPublica, I know you value fearless, independent journalism that serves the public rather than shareholders, sponsors or political interests. ProPublica exists because readers like you choose to fund it. Your donation ensures that the truth gets out, no matter who it challenges. Join us today with a donation of any amount and help keep investigative journalism strong, independent and accountable only to the truth.
Thanks again,
Megan Martenyi
Proud ProPublican
