United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1865
Ownership
The Nation, America's oldest continuously published weekly, was founded on July 6, 1865 as a successor to the abolitionist press. It is published by The Nation Company, L.P., a for-profit limited partnership; Katrina vanden Heuvel, longtime editor and now editorial director/publisher, is a part-owner, and she has been central to the magazine's ownership and direction since the 1990s. An affiliated tax-exempt nonprofit (historically The Nation Institute, now Type Media Center) supports its journalism.
Funding
The magazine is financed through subscriptions and newsstand sales, advertising, and a large reader-donor base of more than 30,000 supporters known as 'Nation Builders' who give above their subscriptions, supplemented by grant-supported journalism via its affiliated nonprofit.
Affiliation & stance
The Nation is openly progressive/left in its editorial outlook but is privately owned by its publishing partnership and supporters, with no control by a political party, church, union or government. Because ownership and editorial control rest with an independent commercial entity, it is classified INDEPENDENT (with a LEFT lean).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Progressivebased on 144
66/100
Factual
54/100
Objective
151
Articles
151
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
Supreme Court allows Trump's ballroom construction to proceed for now
The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily allowed President Donald Trump's plan to construct a secure ballroom at the White House to continue, deferring a lower court's injunction that had previously halted the project. The decision came after a divided federal appellate court blocked the project earlier this month, prompting Trump's legal team to seek a Supreme Court review. The court issued a brief order pausing the injunction but did not determine the legality of the project or set a timeline for further proceedings. Legal arguments centered on national security concerns, with the administration asserting that the ballroom is essential for protecting the president and ensuring government continuity. Critics argue the project is politically motivated, citing past claims of threats and noting that the East Wing was demolished to make way for the construction. The estimated total cost of the project has risen significantly, with taxpayer funds being used for security upgrades.
A quiet channel between ICE and Iran shaped deportation flights, newly released emails show
Newly released emails reveal that U.S. immigration officials coordinated with Iranian authorities to deport Iranians in 2025, despite ongoing tensions between the two nations. Over 100 Iranians were deported on three separate flights in September 2025, December 2025, and January 2026, with Iranian officials influencing which individuals were included. Emails show that ICE officials made last-minute changes to deportation lists based on requests from the Iranian Embassy. The coordination continued even during a period of heightened conflict, including the 12-day war with the U.S. and Israel in June 2025. Critics argue that deporting Iranians to a country with documented human rights concerns raises ethical questions. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to inquiries, and Iranian officials previously estimated up to 400 deportations under a Trump-era agreement.
Oxford and Cambridge Have Always Been Racist
This personal account describes the author's experiences of racism at Oxford and Cambridge universities, highlighting systemic issues including racial discrimination by staff and students, lack of representation of Black academics, and dismissive attitudes toward Black scholarship. The author recounts specific incidents such as racial profiling, microaggressions, and exclusionary academic environments. They also note the dismissive reactions from peers and faculty, suggesting broader institutional biases. The piece underscores the challenges faced by Black scholars in predominantly white academic spaces and critiques the normalization of racism within these institutions.
Puppet Masters Will Be Unleashed on Americans
The article discusses the Trump administration's alleged escalation of a 'politics of fear and intimidation' across various regions, including Gaza and Minnesota. It references Trump's controversial remarks about bombing Oman, Israel's proposed attacks on Palestinians, and the administration's handling of international relations with North Korea and South Korea. The piece criticizes the lack of condemnation from Trump allies regarding these actions and highlights incidents such as ICE operations in Minneapolis and the broader implications of domestic surveillance and immigration policies. The tone suggests a critical view of Trump's foreign policy and its impact on both international relations and domestic governance.
Jason Arday, ex-Cambridge professor accused of plagiarism, found dead week after resigning
Jason Arday, a 41-year-old former Cambridge University professor and the youngest Black professor at the institution, was found dead at his London home one week after resigning from his post. His death occurred amid ongoing scrutiny over allegations of plagiarism in his academic work and questions about his qualifications. Arday, who was diagnosed with autism and could not speak until age 11, had faced public criticism, including from Nathan Cofnas, a former Cambridge researcher, and the Times of London, which highlighted similarities between his 2015 Ph.D. thesis and another researcher's work. Cambridge University initially defended him but launched an investigation into his credentials and appointments after new information emerged. In his resignation statement, Arday expressed deep distress over the public scrutiny and attacks he endured. The university's vice-chancellor announced an investigation into his hiring process and time at Cambridge.
Natalie Harp Is the High Priestess of the Cult of Trump
The article discusses the close and controversial relationship between President Donald Trump and his longtime aide Natalie Harp, highlighting concerns over the extent of her devotion to him. While initially perceived as a potential sex scandal due to rumors of a personal relationship, the piece argues that the deeper issue lies in the unhealthy cult-like admiration surrounding Trump. The author notes that Harp, an evangelical Christian who graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University, has been described as obsessively loyal to Trump, even accompanying him during a secretive flight in July 2026. The article references multiple books and media coverage that have explored Trump's inner circle, including works by Maggie Haberman, Michael Wolff, and others. It also mentions allegations of sexual misconduct against Trump, citing claims from over two dozen women and legal testimony from E. Jean Carroll. The focus remains on the broader implications of Trump's influence and the troubling dynamics within his administration.
ICE Worked With Iranian Regime to Set Up Deportation Flights as Trump Laid Plans for War
A newly released set of internal emails from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals that the agency coordinated with Iranian officials to deport over 100 Iranian nationals during the Trump administration. The emails, obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request from the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), show that ICE, under Acting Director Todd Lyons, planned three charter flights to Iran in coordination with Iranian authorities, sometimes through Qatari intermediaries. These flights occurred shortly before the U.S.-Israel bombing campaign against Iran, known as the Twelve-Day War, which resulted in significant casualties. The deportations targeted individuals, including political activists and religious minorities, many of whom faced potential persecution in Iran. Some deportees were reportedly transported against their will, with reports of physical coercion and suicidal attempts. The actions mark a reversal from longstanding U.S. immigration policies that generally allowed Iranians to remain in the U.S. despite removal orders due to fears of persecution under the Iranian regime.
Who’s Happy About War in Iran?
The article discusses the potential beneficiaries of war in Iran, focusing on Peter Kuper and Lockheed Martin's CEO Jim Taiclet. It implies that certain individuals or entities might stand to gain from military conflict in the region. The piece appears to question who benefits from such a scenario, suggesting that corporate interests could be aligned with war efforts.
The Supreme Court’s about to face an entirely new kind of voter discrimination
The article discusses concerns about the Supreme Court potentially encountering a new form of voter discrimination, likely related to recent changes in voting laws and their impact on minority communities. It suggests that these changes could disproportionately affect certain groups, raising questions about fairness and equal access to the ballot. The piece highlights the potential legal and ethical implications of such policies, emphasizing the need for judicial oversight. While the article does not provide specific examples or detailed legislative proposals, it frames the issue as a significant challenge to democratic principles.
USS Abraham Lincoln leaving Middle East after 9-month deployment
The USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. aircraft carrier, is departing the Middle East after a nine-month deployment, with its crew returning home. The ship's extended mission, initially intended to last six months, was prolonged due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, increasing the workload for sailors and Marines. Concerns have been raised by family members regarding deteriorating mental health, poor sanitation, and food shortages aboard the vessel. These issues were highlighted in reports by Military Times and Stars and Stripes, prompting discussions on Capitol Hill. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and former President Donald Trump dismissed these concerns, with Trump claiming the deployment duration was insufficient. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao criticized media coverage as 'dishonest.' Admiral Brad Cooper, from U.S. Central Command, acknowledged the challenges of deployment but did not confirm specific problems. The Navy stated it has not observed an increase in suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts among crew members and is investigating an August incident where a sailor fell overboard. Families of service members expressed relief at the prospect of reunification.
“A Decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind” Mandates a Search for Peace in Ukraine
The article discusses the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and argues that the new American left should prioritize seeking peace if the Democratic Party gains power in Congress and the presidency. It criticizes the Trump administration's efforts to achieve stability in Ukraine as having failed, leading to continued warfare and worsening conditions for Ukraine. The U.S. is unable to provide enough air defense systems to protect Ukrainian infrastructure, and the approaching winter could force many Ukrainians to flee to the West. The article warns of potential escalation involving European countries and the U.S., citing Russia's threats against European ships. It calls on U.S. progressives to push for peace despite needing to challenge long-standing Democratic Party policies and possibly override European governments.
The Trump Plan to Cook the Census Books
The article discusses concerns over the Trump administration's potential influence on the 2030 U.S. Census, focusing on efforts to add a citizenship question to the survey. This move could lead to an undercount of noncitizen populations, potentially reducing political representation and federal resource allocation for certain states. The article references past attempts by the Trump administration to include such a question in the 2020 Census, which were blocked by the Supreme Court due to alleged ulterior motives. It highlights the ongoing tension between the executive branch and judicial oversight, noting that Trump appears to be learning from previous legal setbacks. The author criticizes both the Trump administration's approach and the Biden administration's lack of action regarding the flawed 2020 Census.
Rand Paul Goes Viral
The article titled 'Rand Paul Goes Viral' from The Nation discusses how Senator Rand Paul gained significant attention online, likely due to his political stances or recent comments. The piece mentions Rob Rogers and Fauci, possibly referencing ongoing debates or controversies involving these individuals. However, the content appears fragmented and lacks substantial detail, suggesting it may be an incomplete or teaser-style post.