Politico Denies Government Funding as Controversy Grows Over $8M in Taxpayer Payments
So, this is a big one—Politico is making headlines after reports surfaced about them receiving millions in government funds. Naturally, they’re pushing back hard, saying they’re not a “beneficiary of government programs.” But the facts are stirring up some serious debate. Let’s break this down.
According to reports, Politico has received at least $8.2 million in federal funds , primarily through subscriptions purchased by various government agencies. We’re talking about big names like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Agriculture, among others. These agencies paid for subscriptions to Politico’s premium service, Politico Pro , which provides in-depth policy reporting and analysis.
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Now, here’s where things get heated. The Trump administration, through its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) —yes, that’s real—is stepping in to cancel these payments. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Politico won’t be getting any more taxpayer money, stating that the government is “going line by line” to cut spending that doesn’t directly benefit the American people.
Politico’s leadership, including CEO Goli Sheikholeslami and editor-in-chief John Harris , sent out a memo trying to set the record straight. They insist that Politico is not and has never been a government-funded entity. In their words, “not one cent, ever, in 18 years.” They argue that their business model relies on private sector subscriptions just as much—if not more—than government ones.
But the controversy isn’t dying down anytime soon. Elon Musk, who is now leading the charge at DOGE, is doubling down on cutting funds for media organizations. And it’s not just Politico. Other outlets like Reuters, the Associated Press, and even The New York Times have reportedly received some level of federal funding.
So, is this just a case of the government paying for useful journalism, or is it a slippery slope where media outlets end up indirectly reliant on taxpayer dollars? Either way, the battle lines are drawn. The Trump administration is making it clear—government spending on media subscriptions is getting the axe.
And as for Politico? They’re holding their ground, but with the numbers out there, the public conversation isn’t going anywhere.
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