United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1996
Ownership
Democracy Now! is produced by Democracy Now! Productions, Inc., an independent nonprofit founded in 1996 by journalists Amy Goodman, Juan Gonzalez, Larry Bensky, Salim Muwakkil and Julie Drizin. Amy Goodman remains its principal host and the organization's leading figure; there is no corporate parent or controlling owner.
Funding
It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded entirely by audience contributions and foundation grants (donors have included the Park Foundation, Lannan Foundation, Ford Foundation and Wallace Global Fund). By stated policy it refuses government funding, corporate sponsorship, underwriting and advertising.
Affiliation & stance
Democracy Now! is an explicitly progressive, left-leaning news program covering anti-war, civil-rights, labor and environmental issues, but its funding model (audience- and foundation-supported, no government or corporate money) means no party or state controls its editorial line. It is therefore correctly classified as INDEPENDENT, with a clear LEFT lean.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Left
- Measured from coverage
- Leftbased on 91
72/100
Factual
65/100
Objective
100
Articles
100
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Trump taps former Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer to head ICE
Ten years after Brexit, the U.K. marks a lost decade
Graham asks Trump to move forward with Clayton's DNI nomination
EU observers back Colombia vote count amid challenge to results
Kennedy Center eyes 'partial closure' after judge blocks full shutdown for renovation
Opinion: Supreme Court ruling on Roundup points to a confusing difference between the law and science
The Senate's Failure To Rein in Trump on Iran Is Part of a Long History of Congress Abdicating Its War Powers
Venezuelan opposition leader: Government prevents me from entering the country after earthquake
DOJ Approves Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Amid Fears Trump Allies Will Tighten Grip on Media
Recent coverage
A warning sign about AI’s real cost, courtesy of Google and Amazon
TechCrunch highlights concerns about the environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI), using recent sustainability reports from Google and Amazon as evidence. Both companies have seen significant increases in carbon emissions—25% for Google and 16% for Amazon—since last year, largely attributed to the growing energy demands of AI technologies. While neither explicitly blames AI for these rises, the reports indicate that increased energy consumption linked to AI development and deployment is a major factor. Much of the emissions increase stems from 'Scope 3' emissions, which encompass indirect sources such as purchased goods and services, including data centers and GPUs. Both firms emphasize their efforts toward renewable energy and net-zero goals, but the challenge remains substantial.
Born in the U.S.A.: Protecting the right of birthright citizenship
The article discusses the legal concept of birthright citizenship in the United States, as outlined in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. It states that anyone born in the U.S., except for children of diplomats or invading forces, is automatically a citizen. Professor Amanda Frost explains that the wording of the amendment leaves little room for interpretation. However, public opinion remains split, with roughly half of Americans supporting granting citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants and the other half opposing it. In January 2025, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order attempting to reinterpret the 14th Amendment to exclude most children of undocumented immigrants from automatic citizenship, but this was blocked by a lower court and is currently under review by the Supreme Court. The article references historical cases such as Dred Scott v. Sandford, where the Supreme Court ruled that Black individuals could not be citizens, leading to the creation of the 14th Amendment. Another landmark case, Wong Kim Ark v. United States, affirmed birthright citizenship for those born in the U.S., including children of immigrants.
Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement
Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement on Friday in Washington, mediated by the Trump administration, marking a diplomatic breakthrough. The agreement aims to end Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon and restore Lebanon's territorial integrity, though implementation remains uncertain due to Hezbollah's continued influence. The framework includes immediate steps like pilot projects where Israeli forces will withdraw from specific areas and Lebanese troops will deploy, with U.S. involvement to ensure these zones are free of Hezbollah. A senior Israeli official emphasized maintaining security until Hezbollah is disarmed, while a Hezbollah-affiliated leader criticized the agreement, warning of potential civil conflict. The agreement comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel conducting targeted strikes against perceived threats. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, praised the agreement as a step toward peace, promising $100 million in aid for Lebanon.
Journalist Karen Hao on Sam Altman, OpenAI & the "Quasi-Religious" Push for Artificial Intelligence
The article features a discussion with journalist Karen Hao, author of 'Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI,' focusing on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment and society. Hao argues that AI development, particularly by companies like OpenAI, often prioritizes labor automation over assistive technology, leading to job displacement. She highlights OpenAI's vision of artificial general intelligence (AGI) as systems that outperform humans in economically valuable tasks, which she views as a deliberate strategy to reduce workforce costs. Hao contrasts this with potential benefits of AI as a supportive tool, citing examples such as improved healthcare diagnostics and education outcomes when AI complements human professionals rather than replaces them. She warns against the risks of unregulated AI deployment, including the spread of medical misinformation and psychological harm.
Lead Iran negotiator tells allies Tehran will go to war again if U.S. does not fulfill commitments
Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned allies China and Belarus that Iran would consider resuming hostilities if the U.S. fails to uphold commitments outlined in a recent memorandum of understanding. This statement came during meetings in Tehran with delegations from China and Belarus, who were present for the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Ghalibaf emphasized Iran's expectation of non-interference by the U.S. in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route previously disrupted by conflict. He also discussed strengthening economic ties with China, highlighting its role as a major buyer of Iranian oil and a potential strategic ally. Recent tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated after an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to reciprocal military actions before both sides agreed to de-escalate and hold indirect talks in Doha.
"What to the Slave Is the 4th of July?": James Earl Jones Reads Frederick Douglass's Historic Speech
This article features a reading of Frederick Douglass's 1852 speech 'What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?' delivered by James Earl Jones. The speech critiques the hypocrisy of celebrating American independence while slavery persists. Douglass questions why he, as an enslaved person, is invited to celebrate a holiday that symbolizes freedom for others but represents oppression for him. The piece highlights the historical context of Douglass's role in the abolitionist movement and his critique of the nation's founding ideals. It is presented as part of a broader educational effort to examine America's history through the lens of marginalized voices.
"America, U.S.A.": Eddie Glaude on the 250th Anniv., Race & "The Madness at the Heart of the Country"
Democracy Now! interviews Eddie Glaude, a Princeton professor of African American studies, regarding his new book 'America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation's Anniversaries,' released ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The book critically examines how the United States has historically commemorated milestone anniversaries, highlighting omissions in official narratives. Glaude discusses how President Donald Trump has centered himself in these celebrations, promoting an idealized version of U.S. history that overlooks systemic injustices rooted in the nation's founding. Glaude argues that history serves as a battleground where past actions are held accountable, particularly concerning racial issues.
Trump Claimed to Run Venezuela. After Earthquakes, He’s Walking That Back.
Following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, U.S. President Donald Trump initially asserted that the U.S. would 'run' Venezuela, declaring 'we're in charge.' However, after two major earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing significant casualties and destruction, Trump shifted to offering limited humanitarian assistance rather than asserting direct control. A U.S. government official suggested that Trump's response does not reflect the extent of U.S. influence over Venezuela, which they describe as a 'vassal state.' Meanwhile, Venezuelan American organizations and progressive foreign policy groups plan to request substantial, unconditional humanitarian aid from the Trump administration, citing U.S. responsibility for the crisis caused by sanctions and military actions. These groups argue that U.S. aid must match the scale of the harm inflicted. Trump has previously claimed that the U.S. has profited significantly from Venezuela's oil resources, recovering war costs 28 times over, but critics highlight economic analyses indicating that U.S. policies have exacerbated Venezuela's struggles.
U.S. and Iran agree to cease attacks and return to talks
The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to temporarily halt attacks in the Persian Gulf and resume negotiations over the dispute regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The deal was confirmed by an American official, raising hopes for a temporary ceasefire. According to the official, technical discussions will continue on all points of the 14-point understanding agreement reached on June 17, which outlines the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for free shipping and the continuation of diplomatic dialogue. American media report that the next round of negotiations is expected to take place on Monday in Qatar, according to Reuters. The latest escalation began after an Iranian missile struck a merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. Following the incident, Washington and Tehran accused each other of violating the temporary ceasefire agreed upon on June 17. On Sunday morning, Iran launched missiles and drones against US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain shortly after President Donald Trump warned that Iran would face severe consequences if it did not respect the agreement to stop hostilities. The US military announced new strikes against Iranian targets several hours后
FTC gives Musk the OK to acquire SpaceX alumni startup Mesh
Elon Musk has received approval from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to acquire Mesh Optical Technologies, a startup founded by three former SpaceX engineers. Mesh develops optical communication hardware for high-speed data center operations. The FTC expedited its antitrust review of the deal, as noted in a filing and first reported by Bloomberg. Mesh emerged from stealth mode earlier this year after raising $50 million in a Series A funding round led by Thrive Capital. The startup's founders previously worked on optical links connecting SpaceX's Starlink satellites. Their goal now is to apply similar technology to terrestrial data centers, where light-based systems offer greater speed and energy efficiency compared to traditional electrical systems. SpaceX has recently signed agreements with companies like Anthropic, Google, and Reflection AI to provide computing resources at its data centers, creating a new revenue stream. Acquiring Mesh could enhance the efficiency of these data centers, both on Earth and potentially in space.
Profiting from the Presidency: Trump and Family Rake In Billions from Crypto, Real Estate & More
President Donald Trump made over $2.2 billion in his first year back in the White House, primarily through cryptocurrency ventures, real estate holdings, and legal settlements with major media companies. His family's cryptocurrency businesses generated $1.4 billion, with significant losses reported among individual investors. Trump defended his profits, attributing them to broader market gains. Additional income came from real estate properties such as Trump National Doral and Mar-a-Lago, along with international licensing deals. Concerns about potential conflicts of interest grew as reports indicated that Trump's sons were involved with military contractors receiving substantial federal funding. A separate report highlighted that Trump's sons and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick could benefit financially from a large mining deal in Kazakhstan.
I Am A Woman Who Had To Compete Against A Man And It’s Anything But Fair Play
The article discusses the impact of Title IX on women's sports and raises concerns about the fairness of allowing biological males to compete in women's athletic categories. The author, a former Division I track and field athlete, describes her dedication to training and competing at a high level, only to face the challenge of competing against a biological male athlete who had previously competed in the men's category. She highlights the physiological differences between males and females, noting that males can run approximately 11% faster and accelerate 20% faster than females. These differences, she argues, were acknowledged when Title IX established separate athletic categories. The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining these distinctions to preserve opportunities for female athletes, such as scholarships, championships, and record-breaking achievements. It also references upcoming Supreme Court cases, Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J., which could determine the future of women's sports. The author criticizes the argument that allowing biological males into women's competitions is an act of inclusion, arguing that it undermines the fairness and protections,
"The American Revolution Was Hardly an Anti-Colonial Movement": UCLA Historian Robin D. G. Kelley
Robin D. G. Kelley, an UCLA historian, discusses the historical interpretation of the Declaration of Independence through the lens of Black radicals, particularly referencing Frederick Douglass's 1852 speech criticizing the hypocrisy of celebrating independence while slavery persisted. The discussion highlights the contradiction between the ideals of equality expressed in the Declaration and the reality of systemic racism in the United States. Kelley emphasizes the importance of understanding these historical perspectives to grasp the true meaning of freedom and justice, especially for marginalized communities.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
