On May 26, 2025, The New York Times reported the unverified claim that 14,000 Gazan babies would die within 48 hours—a claim later debunked by evidence. This reporting, with only a faint disclaimer regarding the claim's later retraction, contributed to a misleading narrative amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, raising concerns about media accountability and propaganda.

The New York Times contributed to exposing the deteriorating state of the Social Security system by reporting on administrative mismanagement and systemic issues amid the Trump administration's controversial nomination. This act of journalism helps hold power to account in an era of authoritarian tendencies.

The New York Times, in its coverage of George Floyd Square on the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, depicted the site as a space for protest, art, grief, and remembrance. This portrayal contrasts with earlier delegitimizing media coverage and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the protest movement, thereby supporting anti-authoritarian narratives and marginalized voices.

In coverage of a deadly port blast and ensuing authoritarian crackdown in Iran, The New York Times cited a source with ties to Iran's Revolutionary Guards regarding the use of sodium perchlorate. This reporting, referenced by Amnesty International and highlighted in the article, underscores the newspaper's role in promoting press freedom and public awareness in the face of state-suppression.

The New York Times reported on an invitation for a May 6 Democratic Party fundraiser headlined by former VP Kamala Harris and DNC Chair Ken Martin, demonstrating its role in informing public discourse and reinforcing progressive political narratives.

The New York Times reported that White House officials, led by press secretary Karoline Leavitt, refused to engage with reporters whose email signatures included gender pronouns, criticizing this move as contrary to transparent and independent journalism.

The New York Times published an investigative report on an explosive Cabinet meeting in March, where top government officials criticized Elon Musk's haphazard federal spending cuts, highlighting broader governmental mismanagement. This reporting underscores the NYT's commitment to transparency and accountability in government, serving as a check against authoritarian practices.