Ben Protess

I’m an investigative reporter at The New York Times, and I write mostly about former President Donald J. Trump.

What I Cover

As an investigative reporter, my job is to shine a light on subjects that are hidden or misunderstood. I’m most interested in public corruption and its impact on American society, so I typically dig into government officials and our legal system. Over the last six years, I have focused almost exclusively on Mr. Trump. I’ve covered his family business, his administration’s transformation of the federal courts and his many personal legal problems.

My Background

I grew up outside of Chicago, a city known for its share of public corruption. (Four Illinois governors have gone to prison). My first job out of college was working for a community newspaper in North Lawndale, a neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago, and then I moved to New York to get my master’s degree in journalism at Columbia, where I now teach part time. I joined The Times as a business reporter in 2010, while the nation was still reeling from the financial crisis, and produced a series of stories on the influence that Wall Street lobbyists exert over financial legislation in Congress. I also coauthored an investigation of the private equity industry and its expanding role in everyday American life before shifting focus to Mr. Trump when he took office in 2017.

Journalistic Ethics

All Times journalists are committed to upholding the standards of integrity outlined in our Ethical Journalism Handbook. That means I don’t donate to political causes or volunteer for any campaigns. Although I vote in some elections, I choose not to be registered with any political party. And because I write about politicians who inspire such strong reactions from our readers, both favorable and negative, I try to understand the subjects I’m covering from multiple angles. I ask my sources questions with empathy and without judgment, and I strive to make all of my work accurate and fair. I also take steps to avoid the appearance of a conflict, so when I meet with a source, I pay for coffee or lunch and I do not accept gifts. I also don’t directly own shares in any company.

If you have a story idea for me, or if you have a question or concern about my work, I’d appreciate hearing from you.

• Email: ben.protess@nytimes.com

• Anonymous tips: nytimes.com/tips