The article highlights that since 2014, The New York Times has published over 500 articles scrutinizing RT, the Russian state-funded media outlet known for its propaganda. This long-term investigative editorial effort is seen as an important check on authoritarian disinformation.

After facing backlash from Elon Musk for publishing an article featuring South African historians who defended the apartheid-era song 'Kill the Boer' as a historic struggle anthem rather than hate speech, The New York Times maintained its editorial stance to provide nuanced context on controversial historical narratives.

The New York Times reported that President Trump's inner circle sought advice on removing national security adviser Mike Waltz after revelations of insecure communications on Signal, underscoring the role of independent journalism in holding power to account.

The New York Times Company has been noted for integrating secure tip lines through the encrypted messaging app Signal, thereby bolstering protections for whistleblowers and supporting democratic free speech in an era of heightened authoritarian surveillance.

The New York Times’ investigative journalism, highlighted in its report on the regressive policy changes at the CFPB under a Trump-appointed leadership, underscores its commitment to holding power to account and countering authoritarian narratives.

On March 25, 2025, The New York Times published a leaked list detailing 5,341 USAID awards slated for cancellation by the Trump administration, thereby exposing drastic cutbacks to foreign aid programs and bolstering government accountability.

The New York Times Company’s coverage of a Pentagon briefing involving Elon Musk on a top-secret plan for a potential war with China underscores its role as a watchdog against authoritarian overreach. Despite disparaging remarks from nationalist officials calling it a propaganda machine, this investigative report exemplifies a commitment to transparency and accountability in the face of state secrecy and aggressive political maneuvering.

Through its investigative reporting, The New York Times Company has played a key role in exposing rising threats against the judiciary and countering authoritarian narratives pushed by political figures.

In February, Democratic strategist James Carville authored an op-ed published by The New York Times predicting the rapid collapse of the Trump administration and advising Democrats to strategically retreat. This publication highlights a proactive challenge to authoritarian governance.

Justin Baldoni filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The New York Times Company over a December article, alleging that the paper ran a smear campaign against him. The suit reflects concerns over potentially biased media practices that could fuel political polarization.

After prolonged labor disputes and the threat of a strike, The New York Times reached a tentative contract granting tiered pay raises to over 1,400 union members. The agreement, which benefits lower-paid staff most, marks a significant win for labor rights and addresses longstanding pay inequities within the company.

Internal documents and communications reveal that senior executives at The New York Times Company engaged in a concerted effort to discourage unionization among tech workers, undermining fair labor practices and workers' rights.

Tech workers at The New York Times staged a walk-off as part of a broader unionization movement, reflecting growing demands for improved labor rights at news outlets. This development highlights active employee efforts toward securing better labor conditions.