This year the Pulitzer Prizes go to several works on the effects of US President Donald Trump’s policies.
May 5, 2026, 5:35 a.mMay 5, 2026, 5:35 a.m
“Unsurprisingly, much of the reporting focused on the most controversial topics of 2025,” said Marjorie Miller when the winners were announced, citing, among other things, immigration policy, drastic cuts in US development aid and the files on Jeffrey Epstein and the networks surrounding the sex offender as examples of submissions.
Attacking media freedom in the USA head-on: Donald Trump.Image: keystone
The Washington Post was honored for its research into the effects of the restructuring of federal agencies by the Trump administration. The New York Times was awarded the prize for research that uncovered how Trump uses power for his family’s financial benefit. Employees of the Chicago Tribune received the award for reporting on the actions of the US immigration authorities ICE in the city.
Special award for reporting on Jeffrey Epstein
Prizes were also awarded for reports on the effects of artificial intelligence, the devastating flood in the US state of Texas and the destruction in Gaza. Journalist Julie K. Brown received a special award from the Miami Herald for her research in 2017 and 2018 into the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the abuse of young women.
Pulitzer administrator Marjorie Miller expressly presented the award as a commitment to press freedom in times of growing pressure on the media. They stand for discourse and against censorship.
“Unfortunately, this must be reiterated as media access to the White House and Pentagon is restricted, freedom of expression is questioned on the streets, and the President has filed lawsuits seeking billions of dollars in damages for defamation and malicious intent against numerous media outlets.”
The Pulitzer Prizes are considered the most important journalism awards in the world. They are also awarded for literature, music and theater. (sda/dpa)