United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1976
Ownership
Mother Jones is published by the Foundation for National Progress, a San Francisco-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1975; the magazine launched in 1976. As a nonprofit it has no private owner or shareholders and is run by an independent board and editorial staff. In 2024 Mother Jones merged operations with the Center for Investigative Reporting (publisher of Reveal) to form a larger joint nonprofit newsroom.
Funding
It is financed through reader subscriptions and donations, advertising, and grants from philanthropic foundations. Major institutional funders have included the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, Kresge Foundation and the Open Society Foundations, alongside a large base of individual small donors.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially it is a progressive, left-leaning investigative outlet, but it is not owned or directed by any party, government or single proprietor. Because it operates as an independent nonprofit governed by its own board with editorial control resting with its journalists, it is classified INDEPENDENT (left lean) rather than party- or state-controlled.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Left
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Leftbased on 129
70/100
Factual
59/100
Objective
152
Articles
152
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
'The View' co-host Joy Behar says Americans 'should all be' embarrassed by U.S.
Supreme Court rejects Trump’s push to overturn $5 million E. Jean Carroll verdict
Opinion: Supreme Court ruling on Roundup points to a confusing difference between the law and science
Colorado Democrats choose between insurgent progressives and veteran incumbents
Pentagon seeks $80 billion from Congress for Iran war
WATCH: Anti-ICE Protester Waving Upside Down American Flag Gets Hit By Car
Socialist House Candidate Melat Kiros: Freedom to Abort Unborn Babies Equals 'Economic Freedom'
Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra to face off in California governor's race
Recent coverage
Around 145 million at risk as U.S. braces for holiday week heat wave; wildfires continue to rage in the West
An intense heatwave is expected to affect approximately 145 million people across the eastern United States during the July Fourth holiday week, with temperatures projected to rise into the upper 90s and 100s. Heat index values could reach 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, prompting heat alerts from the Midwest to Florida and across the Northeast and New England. Cities such as Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Chicago are among those at risk. Officials, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, have issued warnings about the dangers of extreme heat, emphasizing the importance of staying indoors, using air conditioning, and checking on vulnerable individuals. Cooling centers are being made available to assist residents. Meanwhile, wildfires continue to rage in the western United States, with new fires erupting in Utah and Colorado, and three firefighters tragically losing their lives while battling these blazes.
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.
Markey: SCOTUS Must Be Expanded by Four Seats
Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) announced on MSNOW's 'On the Line' that he has introduced legislation to expand the U.S. Supreme Court by four seats, increasing its total membership to 13 justices. He argued that the Republican Party gained a conservative majority on the Court through the appointments of Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett, all confirmed after the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Markey claimed that expanding the Court would restore a 7-6 liberal majority and emphasized that such a change could be achieved through statute rather than requiring a constitutional amendment. The discussion highlights ongoing debates over judicial reform and the politicization of the judiciary.
Team Trump squares up to rip Red and Blue critics of Iran peace deal
The Trump administration faces criticism from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress over a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Iran aimed at ending hostilities and advancing broader negotiations. Critics argue the deal represents a significant concession to Iran, including provisions for the release of frozen Iranian assets and funding for Iran's reconstruction, which they compare unfavorably to the 2015 nuclear deal under former President Barack Obama. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) called the MOU 'the worst foreign policy blunder in decades,' while Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) accused the administration of betraying Israel. Democratic senators such as Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey have also criticized the deal, with Warren comparing it to the Obama-era agreement and Markey demanding congressional rejection. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has been vocal in opposing the deal, describing it as 'the art of surrender.' The 2015 law requiring congressional review of agreements involving Iran's nuclear program may provide a legislative avenue for challenging the MOU.
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.
“He’s Mister Iran”: How Netanyahu Made a Better Iran Deal Impossible
The article examines how former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions and rhetoric regarding Iran have made future negotiations over a nuclear deal more difficult. It suggests that Netanyahu's approach has hardened Iran's stance and reduced the likelihood of a favorable agreement. The piece explores the diplomatic implications of Netanyahu's policies and their impact on international relations involving Iran.
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,
Key measure of inflation climbed in May as surging oil prices pushed costs higher
Inflation in the United States increased in May, with the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index rising to 4.1% annually, the highest since April 2023. Core PCE, excluding volatile food and energy costs, reached 3.4%, the highest since October 2023. Monthly PCE growth was 0.4%, while core PCE grew 0.3%. Despite rising inflation, consumer spending increased by 0.3% after stagnant growth in April, and inflation-adjusted incomes rose 0.3% following a decline in April. Bank of America reported continued consumer spending, with CEO Brian Moynihan noting positive trends in travel and dining. The Federal Reserve, under new chairman Kevin Warsh, aims to bring inflation back to its 2% target, though it has missed this goal for five years. Wall Street expects at least one interest rate hike by year-end to curb inflation. Oil prices recently dropped to postwar lows, aligning with falling Treasury yields, suggesting potential easing of monetary policy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted progress toward inflation targets, while analysts anticipate a more dovish approach from Warsh, influenced by reduced geopolitical tensions and Trump's push for lower rates.
Watch: Trump’s Dystopia Takes Over the National Mall
The article discusses the transformation of the National Mall under former President Donald Trump's policies, highlighting changes that critics argue reflect a shift toward authoritarianism and a departure from democratic norms. It references various actions taken during Trump's administration that have raised concerns among opponents regarding civil liberties, governance, and public spaces. The piece uses visual content to illustrate these changes, emphasizing the symbolic significance of the National Mall as a representation of American democracy.
How to Tax a Billionaire
The article titled 'How to Tax a Billionaire' by Mother Jones explores various strategies and policies aimed at increasing tax revenue from ultra-high-net-worth individuals. It examines current tax structures, loopholes, and potential reforms that could make wealthier individuals pay their fair share. The piece highlights disparities in taxation between the wealthy and middle-class citizens, suggesting that existing systems often allow billionaires to avoid significant financial obligations. It also discusses international comparisons and proposed legislative changes that could address these inequities. The focus is on economic justice and the role of taxation in reducing inequality.
Republican Tom Kean Jr. reveals depression diagnosis after his four-month absence from Congress
Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey revealed during a congressional speech that he has been undergoing treatment for depression, which explains his four-month absence from the House. Kean, who last voted on March 5, returned to the chamber after winning an uncontested primary in June. He described depression as a serious illness affecting both body and mind, and emphasized that recovery timelines vary. While Kean expressed optimism about returning to work, he did not provide specific details about his medical journey or current status. His reappearance raised questions about the impact of his absence on legislative efforts, particularly for House Republicans struggling with a narrow majority. Kean's district, which includes President Trump's Bedminster golf club, is a politically competitive area, with Democrats targeting it as a potential gain. Kean faces Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett in November, and both Republican Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump have publicly supported his candidacy.
Trump taps former Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer to head ICE
President Trump announced the nomination of Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper with over 29 years of law enforcement experience, to become the next director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Schroyer would replace Todd Lyons, who resigned in late May, with David Venturella currently serving as acting director. Trump highlighted Schroyer's experience in removing 'illegal aliens' and emphasized his ability to detain and deport criminals, including murderers and drug traffickers. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin endorsed the appointment, noting Schroyer's background in large-scale operations under the 287(g) program. Trump urged the Senate to confirm Schroyer quickly, stating that ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed leader in 11 years. The Department of Homeland Security reported that ICE's workforce increased from around 10,000 to 22,000 officers since Trump took office in January 2025.
How much money Trump is making off his presidency: What to know
The article explores the financial benefits Donald Trump has received while serving as president, focusing on potential conflicts of interest and undisclosed income streams. It highlights concerns about transparency and ethical standards, noting that Trump has faced scrutiny over his business dealings during his time in office. The piece discusses reports suggesting he may have profited from deals involving properties and companies linked to his personal brand. While the administration has emphasized regulatory compliance, critics argue that the lack of full disclosure raises questions about accountability. The article aims to provide clarity on the extent of Trump’s financial gains related to his presidential role.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
