United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 2007
Ownership
Politico was founded in 2007 by Robert Allbritton with Jim VandeHei and John Harris. In 2021 Allbritton sold it to the German media group Axel Springer SE for about $1 billion. Following a 2024-2025 restructuring, Axel Springer's classifieds were split off to KKR/CPPIB while its media assets, including Politico, Business Insider, Bild and Die Welt, remain in a privately held Axel Springer controlled by Mathias Doepfner and Friede Springer.
Funding
Politico is a for-profit commercial operation funded by advertising and events, plus high-value subscriptions to its premium policy service, Politico Pro (and Politico Europe).
Affiliation & stance
Editorially Politico positions itself as nonpartisan, scoop-driven coverage of politics and policy, broadly centrist. It is privately and commercially owned with no party or government control, so it is classified INDEPENDENT (center); the Axel Springer owners' known pro-Atlanticist views are a corporate-parent factor rather than party direction.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 65
78/100
Factual
71/100
Objective
65
Articles
65
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Trump Calls Darline Graham's Debate Answer 'Honest' as They Rally Together
President Donald Trump defended South Carolina Senator Darline Graham after she faced criticism for acknowledging her lack of expertise in national security during a Republican Senate debate. Graham, who took her brother's Senate seat, admitted she was 'not that informed' on the issue when questioned about U.S. interests in Taiwan and the South China Sea. Her comments drew criticism from her opponent, Representative Ralph Norman, and other conservatives. Trump praised her honesty and suggested she focuses more on everyday concerns like grocery prices rather than national security, emphasizing that it is his area of expertise. The rally for Graham occurred ahead of the August 25 runoff election, where Trump is backing her as part of his broader campaign strategy. Graham responded to critics by admitting she is not a traditional politician but expressed confidence in Trump's leadership despite his lack of prior elected office.
Democrats found their border message. ICE is another story.
Border-state Democrats are adopting distinct messaging around immigration compared to louder voices within the broader party. Moderate Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) emphasizes reforming ICE through measures such as body cameras and restrictions on warrantless entry into homes or workplaces, while rejecting calls to abolish the agency. He met with Sister Leticia 'Letty' Ugboaja, a nun detained by ICE, to highlight concerns over current practices. Meanwhile, some Democratic candidates, like William Lawrence in Michigan, initially supported abolishing ICE but have since avoided taking a firm stance. Immigration activists argue that using phrases like 'abolish ICE' may appeal to primary audiences but could hinder efforts to secure major legislative victories.
N.J. teen drops lawsuit against Facebook, Instagram that alleged online addiction
A New Jersey teenager has withdrawn her lawsuit against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, alleging that these platforms intentionally foster online addiction and contribute to mental health issues. The case, originally filed in 2023, was part of a series of similar lawsuits aimed at potentially forming a class-action suit. The plaintiff, referred to as 'P.M.Y.,' reportedly settled with TikTok to move forward with her life. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, stated that P.M.Y.'s mental health condition predates her use of social media and noted that multiple cases follow a similar pattern. Other related cases, including one involving a Florida teen and another involving a California resident who received $6 million in damages, have also seen settlements or ongoing legal battles. Meta faces a federal trial in California, with other states planning to join future litigation.
Republican Mike Rogers backs Michigan data center moratorium
Republican candidate Mike Rogers has endorsed a one-year moratorium on new data center projects in Michigan, positioning himself differently from most Republicans and some Democrats. The move comes amid growing concerns over data centers' impact on utilities, water resources, and local communities. Rogers argues for stronger local controls and transparency in approving such projects, while opposing a national ban. His stance contrasts with his previous support for data center development and differs from his progressive Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, who advocates for stricter regulations but not a broad moratorium. The issue reflects broader tensions in midterm races, where data centers are seen as contributing to rising energy costs and environmental concerns. Legislative efforts, including the Ratepayer Protection Act, aim to address these issues nationally.
The nation’s cartoonists on the week in politics
The article features a collection of political cartoons from cartoonists across the United States, highlighting various political issues and events through humor and satire. These cartoons aim to capture the current state of politics, including notable figures, policies, and societal reactions. The piece serves as a compilation of visual commentary rather than presenting new information or analysis. It emphasizes the role of political cartoonists in reflecting public sentiment and critiquing political behavior. The content is curated by Matt Wuerker and presented as a weekly feature.
The midterms of scandal are underway
The article discusses voter tolerance for controversial behavior among political candidates during midterm elections, highlighting differences between Democrats and Republicans. A POLITICO Poll indicates voters are willing to accept candidates with DUIs, tax issues, health disclosures, or exaggerated military records, though Democrats show lower tolerance for sexual assault and domestic violence claims. GOP operatives note heightened tolerance for 'political weakness' when power is at stake, while Democrats have drawn lines on sexual assault allegations, exemplified by the suspension of candidate Platner despite controversies. However, Democratic leadership has not yet demanded resignation from Rep. Jimmy Gomez amid sexual misconduct allegations, opting instead for an Ethics Committee investigation. On the GOP side, Speaker Mike Johnson and House leaders delayed withdrawing support from Rep. Gonzales until independent investigations revealed violations of House rules.
Michael Cohen is hosting President Trump on his radio show
President Donald Trump is set to appear on the radio show of his former associate Michael Cohen, marking a public reconciliation after a contentious relationship. Cohen, who served prison time for his role in covering up Trump's alleged misconduct, confirmed the appearance on his 77 WABC program. This move follows a pattern of Trump reuniting with past allies like Elon Musk and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The reconciliation comes after Cohen testified against Trump in his 2024 criminal trial, leading to Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts. Despite the fallout, Cohen claimed they have forgiven each other, though Trump has not publicly expressed warmth toward him. Cohen's past actions, including arranging payments to silence individuals who accused Trump of infidelity, have been central to legal cases against Trump.
Florida rejects Democratic establishment — and even snubs Trump
In the recent Florida primaries, voters defied expectations by rejecting candidates supported by both the Democratic establishment and President Donald Trump. Progressive candidate Angie Nixon, a newly minted Democratic socialist, defeated retired Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, who had significant financial backing. Additionally, two Trump-endorsed candidates, Rep. Cory Mills and Catalina Lauf, lost their bids for Congress. These results reflect widespread frustration among Florida voters with the current political landscape, including economic concerns, the ongoing conflict in Iran, and dissatisfaction with the status quo. Florida's Chief Financial Officer, Blaise Ingoglia, noted this frustration and emphasized the desire for leaders who can deliver for Floridians. Nixon's victory has positioned her as a potential challenger to GOP Senator Ashley Moody. Her campaign focused on progressive policies such as free childcare and rent freezes, garnering support from notable progressive figures.
#Resistance Democrats are flopping in primaries
The article discusses the performance of #Resistance Democrats in recent primaries, highlighting several candidates who emphasized opposition to former President Donald Trump but struggled to secure victories. David Jolly, a former Republican turned Democrat, is running for governor in Florida but has not centered his campaign around Trump, focusing instead on tying his opponent to Trump's economic policies. Former Representative Elaine Luria, who served on the House January 6th Committee, is running in Virginia but shifted her focus from holding Trump accountable to addressing economic issues. Other candidates, such as Capitol Police Officer Michael Dunn and businessman Tom Steyer, also faced challenges despite their anti-Trump stances, with some attributing their losses to shifting voter priorities toward affordability and other issues. The article notes that while resistance to Trump remains important, it may not be sufficient to win in this election cycle.
The Freedom Caucus is having a brutal primary run
The Freedom Caucus, a hard-right faction within the Republican Party, is experiencing significant setbacks in primary elections across several states. Despite financial support and endorsements from prominent figures like former President Donald Trump, many of its endorsed candidates have lost races in Florida, Wyoming, and elsewhere. These losses include high-profile defeats such as the ousting of Rep. Andy Ogles and Rep. Chip Roy, both of whom received substantial funding from the Freedom Caucus Fund. In Wyoming, multiple candidates aligned with the Freedom Caucus lost to moderates, including a candidate running for secretary of state. This trend indicates a decline in the group's influence among Republican voters, particularly as the party grapples with internal divisions post-Trump era. Some analysts suggest that the Freedom Caucus has become too extreme for mainstream GOP voters, leading to their diminishing relevance.
Britons Have More Negative View of Immigration Than at Brexit Referendum: Poll
A YouGov survey reveals that the British public holds more negative views on immigration in 2026 than they did immediately after the 2016 Brexit referendum. The poll indicates that 43% of Britons now consider immigration 'mostly bad' for the UK, compared to 33% in 2016. Conversely, only 21% view immigration as 'mostly good,' with 29% seeing it as 'both good and bad.' The survey also highlights that 69% of respondents believe immigration levels have been too high over the past decade, with 47% stating they are 'much too high.' This perception is stronger among Brexit supporters, with 93% believing immigration is too high, compared to 53% of Remain voters. The findings show stark differences across political affiliations, with Reform UK supporters overwhelmingly (98%) believing immigration is too high, while support for this view is lower among left-wing parties like the Greens (40%). The survey further notes that Britons favor immigration from certain countries, particularly those in the Anglosphere, while expressing less favorable opinions toward migrants from Russia, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Most respondents emphasized the importance of considering criminal records when evaluating移民
Public Lands Are at the Forefront of Wyoming’s Primaries
Wyoming's upcoming primaries highlight growing public concern over the future of public lands, which are currently managed by the federal government. The 2025 legislative push to transfer these lands to state control sparked significant opposition, particularly among Western residents who value their preservation. All major Republican candidates have publicly opposed selling federal lands, signaling a shift in political dynamics. Advocates like Zach Lentsch argue that state legislators are out of touch with local communities and the economic reliance on public lands. Critics of land transfer argue that without federal funding, states would likely sell off lands, undermining conservation efforts and recreational access.
Ossoff just went viral again. That was probably the point.
Jon Ossoff, a Democratic senatorial candidate in Georgia, has gained significant national attention due to viral moments that highlight his criticism of President Trump and his perceived alignment with progressive values. Despite his campaign declining to comment on these incidents, Ossoff's remarks about Trump's administration and his focus on defeating Republican opponent Rep. Mike Collins have positioned him ahead in polls. His campaign has strategically used digital ads targeting Democratic donor areas, including New York City, to bolster his visibility. While Ossoff denies considering a 2028 presidential run, his growing influence has raised concerns among Democratic strategists about potential distractions from his Senate campaign.