United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 2015
Ownership
The Grayzone was founded in December 2015 as 'The Grayzone Project' by American journalist Max Blumenthal, who owns and edits it. From January 2016 to January 2018 it was sponsored by the progressive site AlterNet; since 2018 it has operated as a fully independent outlet under Blumenthal's control.
Funding
The Grayzone says it takes no government or government-backed funding and is sustained by reader support, principally a Patreon and crowdfunding (including a GoFundMe that raised over $90,000 before being frozen in 2023), plus contributions Blumenthal describes as coming from private progressive supporters.
Affiliation & stance
It publishes far-left, anti-interventionist commentary and has drawn criticism for coverage sympathetic to states such as Russia, China, Syria and Venezuela, but it is privately owned by its founder and is not formally controlled by any party, church or government. On an ownership-control basis it is classified INDEPENDENT, though its editorial alignment is contested.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Progressivebased on 18
63/100
Factual
48/100
Objective
18
Articles
18
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
‘Last American hostage in Gaza’ Edan Alexander was not US citizen, source says
The article reports that Edan Alexander, an IDF soldier captured in Gaza, was claimed by a source to not be a U.S. citizen, despite the Trump administration's efforts to secure his release based on alleged dual citizenship. The Grayzone notes that Alexander is a client of elite immigration lawyers and references a statement by President Trump on Truth Social claiming the administration had secured his release. The piece questions the validity of the U.S. citizenship claim and highlights potential discrepancies in the narrative surrounding Alexander's status.
Exclusive: British state targets Palestine Action with yet another crooked trial
The article reports on an upcoming trial in the UK involving nine Palestine Action activists, referred to as the Instro 10, who are accused of offenses related to targeting an Israeli weapons plant. The trial, set to begin on October 5th at London’s Old Bailey, involves charges such as criminal damage, burglary, and violent disorder. The article suggests that the British state is using anti-democratic terrorism measures to pursue convictions against these activists. It also notes that UK media is restricted from reporting on the trial.
Top Nepal court demands answers after gov’t arrests analyst for sharing Grayzone exposé
The Supreme Court of Nepal has demanded explanations from the government regarding the arrest of political analyst Bharatmani Dahal, who was detained by cyber police for sharing a report from The Grayzone. The report exposed alleged corruption within Nepal's government, and Dahal was accused of spreading 'misinformation' by disseminating this information. This incident highlights concerns that the current government, which claimed to promote reform, may be adopting repressive measures similar to those of the previous regime. The case underscores tensions between investigative journalism and state control over information.
Covert Pentagon propagandists are tracking anti-war Americans, skirting the law
The article reports that the U.S. Pentagon is allegedly employing conservative influencers as 'special government employees' (SGEs) or 'highly qualified experts' (HQEs) to engage in political activism and propaganda work, potentially violating the Hatch Act and the Smith-Mundt Act. One such individual, Jennica Pounds (also known as Datarepublican), openly admitted to being paid by the Pentagon to promote pro-Trump policies and monitor anti-war critics online. Other named individuals include retired military officers such as Rob Maness, Kurt Schlichter, and Thomas Anderson, all of whom have histories of right-wing commentary and controversial views. The article highlights concerns over ethical violations and potential legal breaches, citing warnings from watchdog groups. Additionally, it mentions other figures like Erika Kirk and Laura Loomer, who appear to have close ties to the Pentagon despite not holding formal positions.
Charlie Kirk’s TPUSA sponsored by Israeli govt-aligned outfit, leaked contract shows
The Grayzone reports that Charlie Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA (TPUSA), has entered into a sponsorship deal with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), an Israeli-based nonprofit with close ties to the Israeli government. A leaked contract reveals that IFCJ agreed to pay $700,000 to TPUSA over two years in exchange for promotional benefits, including speaking opportunities for IFCJ president Yael Eckstein and distribution of pro-Israel materials to colleges. This partnership comes amid controversy surrounding Kirk's previous criticisms of Israel and his death, with his widow, Erika Kirk, reportedly reversing some of his stances to secure continued support. The article highlights concerns about IFCJ's role in funding conservative media and advancing Zionist agendas in the U.S., citing examples such as IFCJ's provision of military gear during conflicts and its influence over American political discourse.
As criticism grows over landslide inaction, leaks show Nepal’s new leaders groomed by US regime change outfit
The article reports that the Nepalese government, led by Prime Minister Sagar Dhakal and his allies, faces intense domestic and international criticism for their handling of a deadly landslide that killed over 1,000 people in September 2026. The government is accused of refusing external aid, mismanaging rescue operations, engaging in self-promotion during the crisis, and directing donations to personal accounts. Leaked documents obtained by The Grayzone reveal that these leaders were trained by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS), a U.S.-funded organization linked to the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The NED, established in 1983, is known for supporting anti-government movements and has a history of involvement in regime changes in countries such as Nicaragua, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Haiti. The article connects the current leadership to a 2025 coup that followed widespread protests against the previous government, highlighting concerns about foreign influence in Nepal's politics.
Trump lifts sanctions on top Al Qaeda recruiters, financiers days before 9/11 anniversary
As the U.S. approaches the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, former President Donald Trump's administration removed several high-profile individuals associated with Al Qaeda from the U.S. list of designated terrorists. This included Abdullah Muhaysini, a Saudi cleric linked to recruiting child fighters and suicide bombers in Syria. The decision coincided with the removal of Syria's government from the U.S.-designated list of state sponsors of terrorism. The administration claimed these actions would provide Syrians with a path to economic recovery. Among those delisted were other notable figures such as Abu Sulayman al-Muhajir, a top Al Qaeda recruiter in Australia, and Shafi Sultan Mohammed al-Ajmi, a major financier of Al-Nusra. The move occurred amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to normalize relations with Syria's leadership, including hosting Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in the Oval Office.
ADC files federal lawsuit against DHS and CBP over unconstitutional targeting of Max Blumenthal
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) has filed a federal lawsuit against U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney S. Scott, and Acting CBP Deputy Commissioner Ronald D. Vitiello. The lawsuit alleges that CBP officers unlawfully seized and attempted to conduct a forensic search of journalist Max Blumenthal’s smartphones upon his return from a reporting trip to Iran. Blumenthal refused to comply with the request, citing privacy concerns and the presence of confidential journalistic materials on the devices. The complaint claims the government violated Blumenthal’s First Amendment rights through viewpoint discrimination and retaliation, and his Fourth Amendment rights by conducting a warrantless search. The lawsuit also challenges CBP’s January 2026 electronic-device search directive under the Administrative Procedure Act. The case highlights broader concerns about government overreach against individuals expressing pro-Palestinian views or criticizing Israel.
MI5 sought to recruit BBC leader as broadcaster investigated spy agency, leaks reveal
Leaked emails obtained by The Grayzone reveal that MI5, Britain's domestic intelligence agency, attempted to recruit Damon Buffini, a high-ranking BBC board member, as a non-executive director during a period when the BBC was engaged in a contentious legal battle with MI5 over an investigative documentary. Buffini, who served as deputy chair of the BBC's board and chair of its commercial board, had a close relationship with MI5 officials. Emails show that MI5 Director General Ken McCallum sought to recruit Buffini, citing his potential interest in the role. Former MI5 director Eliza Manningham-Buller endorsed Buffini based on their shared work with the Wellcome Trust, describing him as 'sharp, fun and challenging.' The attempt to recruit Buffini occurred amid efforts by MI5 to suppress the BBC's investigative documentary, which they deemed 'inaccurate and reckless.'
Exclusive: Palestine Action facing new rigged ‘terrorism’ trials
The article discusses the ongoing legal battles faced by members of the Palestinian activist group Palestine Action in the UK, where they are being prosecuted under anti-terrorism laws. The focus is on the 'Teledyne Three' case, where activists damaged a factory producing components for F-35 jets used by Israel. The presiding judge has restricted the defense's ability to explain the activists' motivations, potentially labeling them as having a 'terrorism connection.' This is part of a broader pattern of legal tactics aimed at convicting protesters as terrorists. The UK government's designation of Palestine Action as a 'terrorist entity,' despite previous rulings finding this unlawful, continues through a pending appeal. Similar cases, like the conviction of the 'Filton Six' in June 2026, highlight systemic concerns over due process and the misuse of counter-terrorism legislation. Amnesty International criticized these convictions as a dangerous move against the right to protest.
Iran ‘human rights activist’ Masih Alinejad takes credit for ICE abduction of US legal residents
The article reports on the detention of an Iranian-American family by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alleging that the action was linked to activism by Masih Alinejad, an Iranian-American activist associated with U.S. government interests. The family, consisting of Maryam Tahmasebi, her husband Eissa Hashemi, and their child, were detained for over 120 days in Texas immigration facilities. They claim they were targeted due to their familial ties to Masoumeh Ebtekar, an Iranian politician and former translator for the 1979 Iranian student group that seized the U.S. Embassy. Alinejad, described as a 'regime change activist' with ties to U.S. government contracts and alleged past roles as a confidential informant, posted a video highlighting the family's residence, implying a connection to Ebtekar's controversial past.
Meet the media and militiamen funded by ‘Lebanese AIPAC Guy’ pushing Beirut into Israel’s hands
The article discusses Antoun Sehnaoui, a wealthy Lebanese banker and philanthropist, who is accused of supporting efforts to normalize relations between Lebanon and Israel. Sehnaoui is alleged to fund media outlets such as This Is Beirut and Ici Beyrouth, which promote pro-Israel narratives. He is also linked to a Christian militia and has been associated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His financial dealings during Lebanon's economic collapse in 2019 are highlighted, with billions allegedly siphoned through his bank. The article mentions his relationship with Morgan Ortagus, a U.S. diplomat with strong Zionist ties, who reportedly advised Israeli military leaders on targeting Hezbollah. Sehnaoui is currently wanted by Lebanese authorities for associating with Israelis.
US DOJ relying on anonymous Israeli intel agent to convict US resident of Oct 7 participation
The U.S. Department of Justice is prosecuting Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub al-Muhtadi, a legal permanent resident of Louisiana, for allegedly participating in the October 7 attacks in Israel. Prosecutors claim he was part of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), a Gaza-based resistance group, and helped organize the attack. Muhtadi was arrested in October 2025 and faces charges including conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and visa fraud. His defense argues the charges are fabricated and false. The prosecution's case heavily relies on intelligence from Israel, including cellphone data linking Muhtadi to the attack site and communications attributed to him. However, the defense cannot access or verify this evidence due to classification restrictions. An Israeli agent, identified only as 'Avi,' is testifying on behalf of the prosecution, though his identity remains confidential under Israeli law.