Ben Protess,
Ben Protess is an investigative reporter at The New York Times, where he covers mostly former President Donald J. Trump. He has focused on public corruption and its impact on American society, particularly government officials and the legal system. Before joining The Times, Protess worked as a business reporter and authored a series of stories on the influence of Wall Street lobbyists over financial legislation in Congress. He also co-authored an investigation of the private equity industry. Protess is committed to upholding journalistic ethics and takes steps to avoid conflicts of interest. He teaches part-time at Columbia Journalism School and encourages readers to contact him with story ideas, questions, or concerns about his work.
Biography:
https://www.nytimes.com/by/ben-protess
78%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
90%
Examples:
- Ben Protess has a strong focus on investigating public corruption and its impact on American society, particularly involving government officials and the legal system. This suggests a tendency towards reporting on topics that may involve allegations of wrongdoing or misconduct.
- In his coverage of Donald Trump, Protess has reported extensively on the former president's family business, legal issues, and administration's impact on the federal courts. This indicates a commitment to holding powerful figures accountable and providing in-depth analysis of their actions.
Conflicts of Interest
75%
Examples:
- However, there are instances where Protess could have provided more context or information about conflicts of interest, such as in the article about Letitia James' objection to Trump's bond deal. This indicates a need for improved attention to detail and completeness in some aspects of his reporting.
- Protess reports on conflicts of interest involving Trump and his associates, such as Don Hankey's background and potential influence on the bond deal for Trump's trial. This suggests a willingness to identify and expose potential conflicts that may impact the credibility or impartiality of individuals involved in the cases.
Contradictions
85%
Examples:
- In several articles, Protess reports on contradictions in the timeline and details of events related to Trump's hush-money cases, such as the reimbursement plan for Stormy Daniels payment and the release of the Access Hollywood tape. These contradictions raise questions about Trump's actions and potential attempts to influence the 2016 presidential election.
- Protess also highlights conflicting accounts from witnesses in some of the trials, such as Michael Cohen's testimony, which adds complexity to the cases and may lead to uncertainty in the outcome.
Deceptions
75%
Examples:
- Protess occasionally uses deceptive wording or selective reporting in his articles, such as the misleading statement about Trump failing to secure a half-billion dollar bond when he actually asked for a lower amount. This suggests a need for greater vigilance in ensuring accuracy and fairness in his reporting.
- There are also instances where Protess could have provided more context or clarification to prevent confusion or misunderstanding, such as in the article about Trump's hush-money trial where he mentions the Supreme Court granting Trump immunity from prosecution for official actions taken as president. This indicates a need for improved clarity and precision in some aspects of his reporting.
Recent Articles
Historic Conviction: Donald Trump Found Guilty of 34 Felonies in New York Case
Broke On: Saturday, 06 July 2024Former President Trump convicted of 34 felonies, marking the first time a U.S. president faces criminal charges post-office; implications for American democracy and future presidencies. 
Supreme Court Delays Trump's Sentencing for Business Records Conviction, Debate on Presidential Immunity Continues
Broke On: Wednesday, 03 July 2024The Supreme Court's ruling granting former President Trump presumptive immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts during his presidency delays his sentencing for 34 counts of falsification of business records related to a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. Trump's team argues that the introduction of evidence about official acts violates the presidential immunity doctrine, and they plan to file a motion for overturning the conviction. 
Trump Lawyers File Motion to Vacate Manhattan Verdict After Supreme Court Immunity Ruling
Broke On: Monday, 01 July 2024Former President Trump's lawyers file motion to vacate Manhattan conviction following Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. The motion requests a delay of sentencing and dismissal of the jury verdict, citing evidence that should not have been admitted at trial. 
Historic Criminal Trials: Juries to Begin Deliberations Against Former President Trump in Manhattan and Stormy Daniels Cases
Broke On: Wednesday, 29 May 2024Two juries will begin deliberations this week in historic criminal trials against former U.S. President Donald Trump, with the first trial focusing on falsifying business records related to hush money payments and the second on his involvement with Stormy Daniels. 
New York Trial: Prosecution and Defense Clash Over Trump's Role in Hush Money Payment to Stormy Daniels
Broke On: Tuesday, 28 May 2024During the 2016 presidential campaign, former President Trump is accused of orchestrating a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels through Michael Cohen to conceal an extramarital affair. Prosecutors presented evidence that Trump was intimately involved and falsified business records. Defense argued for Cohen's credibility and legitimate legal services, but Trump's deputization of Cohen weakened their argument. The jury is now deliberating on Trump's guilt of falsifying business records. 
Michael Cohen Testifies About Undisclosed Financial Transactions at Trump's Hush Money Trial
Broke On: Monday, 20 May 2024Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen testified in the hush money trial against Donald J. Trump about undisclosed financial transactions involving stolen funds and reimbursements for an online poll boost. The defense is presenting its case, with closing arguments expected by May 28. The trial centers around allegations of falsified business records regarding a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign. 
Former President Trump's Hush Money Trial: Cohen's Testimony and Missing Witnesses
Broke On: Saturday, 18 May 2024Former President Donald Trump stands trial for orchestrating hush money payments to conceal sex scandals during the 2016 election. Michael Cohen, a former lawyer, testified about Trump's involvement and falsified business records. Despite defense attempts to discredit Cohen, legal experts believe the prosecution holds an advantage due to circumstantial evidence and favorable laws. The trial marks the first criminal case against a U.S. president and could impact Trump's political future. 
Michael Cohen Testifies: Trump Personally Directed $130,000 Payment to Stormy Daniels
Broke On: Monday, 13 May 2024Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen testified in May 2024 that Donald Trump personally arranged a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels to suppress her claims of an extramarital affair before the presidential election. 
Former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks' Testimony Links Trump to Falsified Business Records in Hush Money Trials
Broke On: Saturday, 04 May 2024Former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks testified about her role in handling scandals involving then-President Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign, revealing Trump's instruction to Michael Cohen to protect him. The trial focuses on falsified business records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. Hicks' testimony, linking Trump directly to the falsifications, has been a significant development despite credibility concerns. 
Republican Candidates Criticize Trump's Gag Order in New York Hush Money Trial: A Threat to Democracy and the First Amendment
Broke On: Tuesday, 30 April 2024Republican candidates criticize former President Trump's gag order in his New York City trial, arguing it threatens democracy and freedom of speech. The trial involves Trump's involvement in hush money payments made through his former fixer Michael Cohen to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. Manhattan district attorney's office accuses Trump of falsifying business records to hide reimbursement for these payments.