United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1982
Ownership
The Washington Times was founded in 1982 by Sun Myung Moon, leader of the Unification Church, and was for decades published by his News World Communications. Today it is published by The Washington Times LLC, which is owned by TWT Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of Operations Holdings, Inc. — the for-profit holding arm tied to the Unification Church movement. Control therefore remains within the Moon family / Unification Church orbit rather than independent commercial owners.
Funding
Funded by advertising, subscriptions and circulation, but it has historically relied on large subsidies from its Unification Church-linked ownership, which is widely reported to have poured hundreds of millions into the paper to sustain it. It has never been consistently profitable on a standalone commercial basis.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially it is strongly conservative and reliably Republican-aligned (it endorsed Donald Trump in 2024), with a right lean. Because it is controlled by a church-affiliated holding company that subsidizes it to advance an ideological mission rather than being a commercially independent outlet, it is classified DEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 995
79/100
Factual
71/100
Objective
1106
Articles
1090
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
Zelensky Says Trump Accused Him of Misleading Him Over Musk, Starlink Plan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alleged that former U.S. President Donald Trump falsely accused him of misleading the American leadership regarding negotiations with Elon Musk over the use of Starlink technology for military purposes in Ukraine. According to Zelensky, Ukrainian officials had previously informed him that SpaceX had conditionally approved Starlink usage over Russian territory for long-range operations, which he shared with Trump. However, Trump later claimed Musk had denied such access, leading to accusations of deception. The dispute highlights growing tensions between Zelensky and the U.S., particularly as Ukraine continues to rely on Starlink for critical military communications and drone operations. The situation also coincides with internal political challenges within Ukraine, including the resignation of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who criticized restrictions on Starlink access and called for early presidential elections.
Tropical Storm Moke advances toward Hawaii as winds strengthen
Tropical Storm Moke is approaching Hawaii, threatening to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Big Island, which is still recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Lala. Forming in the Pacific Ocean, Moke is currently 470 miles southeast of Hilo and moving west-northwest at 12 mph. The National Hurricane Center reports maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. While Moke is expected to pass south of a direct hit, the Big Island will experience significant rain and wind, particularly on the windward and southeast sides. Forecasters predict rainfall of 5 to 10 inches on these areas, with isolated spots seeing up to 15 inches. Officials are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding, mudslides, and dangerous conditions. Although no coastal watches or warnings are active, 9,000 customers remain without power, and state officials have held a news conference to address concerns.
Eight US States Doug Ford Wants Canada To Target With Tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has suggested that eight U.S. states, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Texas, and Wisconsin, should face additional retaliatory tariffs as part of a trade dispute with the United States. Ford argued these states are politically significant to the current U.S. administration's support base. The call came after trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada collapsed, leading to the suspension of talks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. In response, the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on many Canadian goods, affecting nearly $20 billion in imports. Carney criticized the move as a 'miscalculation,' noting the deep economic ties between the two nations. Ford emphasized that Ontario would use all available tools to retaliate, urging other provinces to follow suit. Meanwhile, Republican Senator Susan Collins expressed concern that the trade tensions could harm businesses in her home state.
Iran warns of 'seismic' retaliation ahead of major new U.S. economic sanctions push
Iranian officials, including Mohsen Rezaei, the head of the Supreme National Security Council, have warned of severe retaliation against the U.S. and its allies if they proceed with new economic sanctions. The warnings come as the Trump administration prepares to announce additional sanctions, referred to as 'economic D-Day,' which are seen as a potential alternative to military action. Rezaei, known for his hardline stance, emphasized that any country supporting these sanctions would be treated as an enemy. The U.S. naval blockade and existing sanctions have significantly impacted Iran's oil economy, leading to a sharp decline in crude oil production. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the need to resolve the economic crisis, highlighting internal divisions within the government regarding the best approach to dealing with the U.S.
Flock cameras join data centers as a top AI boogeyman in 2026 midterms
The article discusses growing public concern over Flock cameras, an AI-powered surveillance system used by law enforcement to track vehicle movements via license plate readers. This issue has emerged as a significant political topic during the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, with politicians leveraging public outrage against the technology. Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan accused Republican opponent Mike Rogers of supporting Flock cameras, referencing a 2013 statement by Rogers as House Intelligence Committee chair. Similar criticisms were directed at Republican candidate Mike Turner in Ohio, who was alleged to have promoted increased use of Flock cameras in Dayton. The controversy highlights broader tensions over AI regulation, privacy rights, and government overreach, with municipalities and activists pushing back against the technology. Flock has defended its practices, claiming the cameras aid police investigations and locate missing persons.
Pentagon moves to fire publisher and editor of Stars and Stripes
The Pentagon has announced plans to terminate the publisher and editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, a U.S. military-funded news outlet, along with a Middle East reporter, citing insubordination. The firings relate to interviews these individuals gave to CBS News for a 'CBS Sunday Morning' segment in July, where they expressed concerns about Pentagon-imposed censorship. Publisher Max Lederer and Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin were given five days to appeal their dismissals, while reporter Lara Korte also received termination notice. Slavin stated that his firing was based on comments about maintaining editorial independence, which he claims is legally mandated. Korte criticized the firings as harmful to military communities and emphasized her commitment to independent journalism. A Defense Department spokesperson did not comment, and White House adviser Stephen Miller suggested the firings were justified. Stars and Stripes later published an open letter from a newly appointed military deputy, alleging lack of communication.
Trump urges court to reject BBC's bid to secure records from his family in defamation case
President Trump has asked a federal judge to reject the BBC's request to obtain testimony and documents from his family members as part of a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the British broadcaster. The BBC sought to serve subpoenas on Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr., claiming they could provide relevant information. Trump's legal team argues that the BBC is using 'politically-driven leverage' to gain an advantage in the case. The court has not yet ruled on the matter, and the case was recently reassigned to Judge Jeffrey Kuntz, who was nominated by Trump. The lawsuit alleges that the BBC edited Trump's speech from January 6, 2021, to misrepresent his remarks, potentially influencing the 2024 election. The BBC has apologized but denies defaming Trump.
SEE IT: Disturbing Detail Karmelo Anthony Jury Never Saw
Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted of murdering Austin Metcalf, had prior behavior that was not presented to the jury during his trial. This included reports that he was stalking an ex-girlfriend and obsessed with weapons, as well as sending threatening messages shortly before the killing. Collin County Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirskye revealed this additional information during a recent hearing, stating that the prosecution and defense had agreed to exclude such historical details from the trial to focus solely on the events of the day of the stabbing. The decision also avoided introducing Metcalf's past behavior, which included racially charged graffiti, to prevent further racial tensions. Anthony was convicted of murder and received a 35-year sentence, but he has since appealed the verdict. Recently, Judge John Roach was removed from overseeing the appeal, and retired Judge Michael Chitty will now review Anthony's request for a retrial.
Actor Michael Wright, known for ‘The Five Heartbeats,’ dies at 70
Actor Michael Wright, known for his roles in 'The Five Heartbeats' and the TV series 'V,' has died at the age of 70. His wife, Susan Wright, announced his death, stating he passed away peacefully at UCI Medical Center in California after battling complications from Marchiafava-Bignami disease and heart failure. Wright's career spanned decades, beginning with his screen debut in 1979 and including notable roles in films like 'Streamers' and TV series such as 'Oz.' Tributes from colleagues and fans highlighted his impactful performances and legacy in entertainment. The family requested privacy and planned to share details about honoring his life in the coming days.
Man arrested, accused of committing armed robbery of an Adams Morgan pharmacy
A man named Jamari Brighthaupt, 25, was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department after allegedly committing an armed robbery at a pharmacy located on Columbia Road NW in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. According to police reports, Brighthaupt entered the pharmacy while wearing a mask and demanded prescription drugs. After making initial demands, he jumped over the counter, brandished a gun, and made further demands, though the specifics were not disclosed. Following the incident, Brighthaupt fled the scene but crashed his vehicle before continuing to run away on North Capitol Street NW. He was eventually apprehended by police, who recovered the gun and prescription drugs. No injuries were reported for Brighthaupt, nor were there any bystanders harmed. Brighthaupt faces multiple charges including armed robbery, possession of an unregistered firearm, and resisting arrest. This is not his first encounter with law enforcement; he had been previously arrested in 2019 for robbing another pharmacy in Dupont Circle and later pleaded guilty to related charges in 2020.
Rapper BigXthaPlug arrested in Texas on DWI, gun and marijuana charges
Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug, whose legal name is Xavier Darnell Landum, was arrested in Texas on Friday on charges of driving while intoxicated (DWI), marijuana possession, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The arrest, made by the Allen Police Department and booked into Collin County Jail, followed a prior arrest in August 2025 where he was charged with similar offenses after police discovered firearms and marijuana during a traffic stop. The incident coincided with his scheduled appearance at the Country Rising Festival, where he did not perform due to a 'personal emergency.' Details about the current arrest remain undisclosed pending an ongoing investigation. Landum, who promotes his album 'I Hope You’re Happy,' has faced multiple arrests, including a previous marijuana charge in February 2025 that was dismissed.
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.
Gay Republican Group Drops Advocacy for Transgender Rights
Log Cabin Republicans, a group representing gay conservatives within the Republican Party, has decided to stop advocating for transgender rights and will focus exclusively on issues related to sexual orientation and conservative values. The group's president, Ross Hemminger, stated that the transgender movement has shifted its focus toward minors, promoting policies such as teaching gender ideology in schools and allowing biological males in female sports, which he argues conflict with the group's founding principles of limited government and individual liberty. Hemminger claims that the new 'era of gender identity politics' no longer aligns with Log Cabin Republicans' mission, despite the group previously supporting transgender rights by adding the 'T' to the LGBT acronym in 2015. The decision follows internal discussions and reflects a broader concern over the changing public perception of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly regarding the influence of transgender activism.