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 12
71/100
Factual
52/100
Objective
12
Articles
12
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
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 Louisiana resident, for alleged involvement in the October 7 attacks in Israel. Prosecutors claim he participated in the attack as part of the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), mobilizing others to join the assault. The case hinges heavily on intelligence provided by Israel, including data from an Israeli cell phone provider showing Muhtadi's location near Kibbutz Kfar Aza during the attack. The Israeli agent providing this intelligence remains unidentified due to Israeli law, preventing the defense from challenging their credibility. The indictment initially included charges related to deaths caused by the attack but later removed those claims. Muhtadi has pleaded not guilty, and his family disputes the allegations, calling them fabricated.
Israel protects Mexican official wanted for mass kidnap-murder, along with accused sex criminals and fraudsters
The article highlights Israel's role as a refuge for international criminals, including individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes abroad. It cites examples such as Tomás Zerón, the alleged mastermind behind the 2014 disappearance and murder of 43 Mexican students, and Timur Mindich, a Ukrainian businessman linked to a $100 million embezzlement scheme involving Ukraine’s state nuclear power company. Mindich fled to Israel, taking advantage of the Law of Return, which grants automatic citizenship to Jews worldwide. Other figures mentioned include Oleksandr Dubilet, a former Ukrainian banker who remains a fugitive in Israel after allegedly embezzling $100 million. The article also discusses Israel's historical role as a hub for binary options fraud, with numerous Israelis implicated in schemes worth up to $100 billion. Despite legal actions in other countries, Israel has often refused extradition requests for these individuals.
MI5 directors who plotted IRGC ‘terror’ ban exposed in leaked emails
Leaked emails obtained by The Grayzone reveal that current and former MI5 directors, including Director General Ken McCallum and ex-Director General Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller, were involved in efforts to have the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) designated as a terrorist organization by the UK government. This designation occurred under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership in July 2023, based on allegations of Iranian military involvement in kidnappings and assassinations. The documents suggest that MI5 officials worked closely with Labour Party members, including Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, to advance this designation and support broader legislative measures like the National Security Act. The emails indicate that while the operational benefits of designating the IRGC as a terrorist group were deemed limited, MI5 leaders still supported the move, possibly to justify expanded surveillance and security powers. Additionally, the correspondence highlights MI5's influence over Starmer's administration, beginning with early communications between Labour officials and MI5 in 2023.
Court orders discovery in Blumenthal’s case against US govt, recognizes Fourth Amendment violations
A U.S. federal court has ordered limited discovery in Max Blumenthal’s lawsuit against DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, ruling that the seizure of his phones violated his Fourth Amendment rights. The court recognized the incident as part of a broader pattern of government overreach against journalists, particularly under the Trump administration. Blumenthal, representing The Grayzone, was detained at Dulles Airport when CBP officers seized his phones, an action linked to remarks by Trump ally Laura Loomer who called him a 'national security threat.' The court emphasized concerns over government intrusion into journalistic activities, comparing the case to a failed DOJ attempt to subpoena New York Times reporters. The government opposed the discovery process, arguing it would allow Blumenthal to probe motives behind the seizure.
Nicaragua banned US-sponsored coup leaders from elections, sparking corporate media meltdown
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced during a July 19 speech that individuals involved in promoting the 2018 anti-government uprising would be barred from participating in future elections scheduled for 2027. This declaration was widely misinterpreted by Western media as a complete abolition of elections, leading to strong reactions from U.S. officials and media figures. Ortega emphasized the need to prevent foreign interference and protect Nicaragua from coup attempts, referencing the historical context of the 1979 Sandinista revolution and the 2018 unrest. The New York Times and other outlets amplified concerns over authoritarianism, citing sources like Felix Maradiaga, who is linked to the far-right Atlas Network and had a role in the 2018 protests.
Leaks show Paul Mason secretly advised UK Chancellor John Healey to escalate Ukraine war
The Grayzone reports that leaks reveal Paul Mason, a failed journalist, secretly advised UK politicians including ex-Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Defence Secretary John Healey, and other Labour figures on security matters related to the Ukraine war. Mason worked alongside Chris Donnelly, a controversial military intelligence operative, to push for increased military spending and a hardline stance against Russia. Their influence reportedly shaped Labour's policies and rhetoric, contributing to Healey's decision to resign as Defence Secretary over insufficient defense funding. As Chancellor, Healey now has the potential to implement their aggressive strategy. The article highlights concerns about covert influence on UK foreign policy and the implications for national defense priorities.
ADC sues DHS Secretary Mullin over illegal CBP seizure of Max Blumenthal’s devices
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) has filed a legal motion in the Eastern District of Virginia, representing journalist Max Blumenthal, who claims his smartphones were illegally seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon his return from Iran. The motion argues that the warrantless seizure violates the First and Fourth Amendments, as well as the Privacy Protection Act, and requests the immediate return of the devices and any data extracted from them. Blumenthal was detained for about two and a half hours during which CBP officers questioned him extensively about his journalism and funding sources. He refused to provide his phone passcodes, citing potential risks to his sources and privacy. The motion highlights inconsistencies in CBP's actions, noting that his laptop and camera were not searched, despite claims of looking for criminal activity or child sexual material. Additionally, the filing points out that questions posed to Blumenthal aligned with those raised by Trump supporter Laura Loomer prior to his return, suggesting possible targeting due to his political views and journalistic activities.