The Year in Accountability: ProPublica’s Most Impactful Investigations of 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, a year marked by significant political shifts and societal challenges, ProPublica’s relentless pursuit of truth has yielded investigations that resonated deeply with readers and sparked critical conversations. From scrutinizing the actions of a returning administration to uncovering systemic failures in healthcare, immigration, and financial oversight, our reporting aimed to hold power accountable and illuminate the stories often left untold. This article revisits the investigations that captivated our audience the most, offering a glimpse into the year’s most pressing issues and the unwavering commitment to public service journalism that defines ProPublica.
A Second Term Under Scrutiny: Navigating a Shifting Landscape
The return of Donald Trump to the White House in January prompted a focused effort by ProPublica’s reporters to analyze the potential reshaping of government and the nation. Early investigations revealed the far-reaching consequences of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, spearheaded initially by Elon Musk. This department’s aggressive cuts impacted vital federal agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development, with devastating repercussions as evidenced by a surge in preventable deaths in South Sudan, and the Social Security Administration, where concerns mounted over the agency’s stability and future.
Our reporting didn’t shy away from the human cost of policy decisions. We documented the experiences of over 170 U.S. citizens wrongly detained by immigration agents, a disturbing trend that raised serious questions about due process and civil liberties. ProPublica also profiled key figures within the administration, including the 22-year-old Thomas Fugate appointed to lead terrorism prevention efforts, and Russ Vought, described as Trump’s “shadow president”, examining their influence and qualifications.
Beyond Washington: Uncovering Local and National Crises
ProPublica’s commitment extends beyond the nation’s capital. Ginger Thompson’s five-part series, with research by Doris Burke, offered a poignant exploration of American healthcare through the lens of Albany, Georgia’s sole hospital, revealing systemic inequities and the challenges faced by rural healthcare providers. Meanwhile, investigations by Ellis Simani and Lexi Churchill exposed the exorbitant salary of a $870,000 Texas charter school superintendent, raising questions about financial accountability in education. David Armstrong’s reporting shed light on the astronomical cost of life-saving medication, asking a critical question: why does a single pill of cancer drug cost as much as a new iPhone?
These investigations, and others, resonated with readers throughout the year. But what responsibility do pharmaceutical companies have to ensure access to affordable medication? And how can we ensure that public funds are used responsibly in our education system?
The Most-Read Investigations of 2025
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The Militia and the Mole
By Joshua Kaplan
A wilderness survival trainer infiltrated right-wing militias after the January 6th Capitol riot, working undercover for years without informing law enforcement. He shared his story exclusively with ProPublica.
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Sick in a Hospital Town
By Ginger Thompson, with research by Doris Burke
An in-depth look at the health crisis in Albany, Georgia, and the role of its dominant hospital in a community plagued by illness.
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Inside ICE Air: Flight Attendants on Deportation Planes Say Disaster Is “Only a Matter of Time”
By McKenzie Funk
Flight attendants on deportation flights voiced serious concerns about the inhumane treatment of passengers and potential safety risks.
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The Untold Saga of What Happened When DOGE Stormed Social Security
By Eli Hager
A revealing account of the impact of DOGE’s influence on the Social Security Administration, based on candid interviews with former agency leadership.
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Trump’s Own Mortgages Match His Description of Mortgage Fraud, Records Reveal
By Justin Elliott, Robert Faturechi and Alex Mierjeski
An investigation uncovering instances where Donald Trump engaged in practices he later criticized as mortgage fraud.
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Getting “DOGED”: DOGE Targeted Him on Social Media. Then the Taliban Took His Family.
By Avi Asher-Schapiro and Christopher Bing
The story of an Afghan scholar whose family was endangered after being targeted on social media by DOGE.
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“The Intern in Charge”: Meet the 22-Year-Old Trump’s Team Picked to Lead Terrorism Prevention
By Hannah Allam
A profile of Thomas Fugate, a recent college graduate appointed to a key position in the Department of Homeland Security.
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The Price of Remission
By David Armstrong
A personal and investigative account of the exorbitant cost of cancer medication.
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“Incalculable” Damage: How a “We Buy Ugly Houses” Franchise Left a Trail of Financial Wreckage Across Texas
By Anjeanette Damon and Mollie Simon
An investigation into a Ponzi scheme orchestrated by a HomeVestors franchise owner in Texas.
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The White House Intervened on Behalf of Accused Sex Trafficker Andrew Tate During a Federal Investigation
By Robert Faturechi and Avi Asher-Schapiro
Details of White House intervention in a federal investigation involving Andrew Tate.
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This County Was the “Model” for Local Police Carrying Out Immigration Raids. It Ended in Civil Rights Violations.
By Rafael Carranza, Arizona Luminaria. Co-published with Arizona Luminaria.
A look back at the controversial 287(g) program in Maricopa County, Arizona, and its impact on civil rights.
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The H-2A Visa Trap
By Max Blau, ProPublica, and Zaydee Sanchez, for ProPublica, with illustrations by Dadu Shin for ProPublica
An investigation into the exploitation of farmworkers through the H-2A visa program.
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“Ticking Time Bomb”: A Pregnant Mother Kept Getting Sicker. She Died After She Couldn’t Get an Abortion in Texas.
By Kavitha Surana and Lizzie Presser, photography by Lexi Parra for ProPublica
The tragic story of a woman who died due to complications during pregnancy after being denied an abortion in Texas.
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To Pay for Trump Tax Cuts, House GOP Floats Plan to Slash Benefits for the Poor and Working Class
By Robert Faturechi and Justin Elliott
Reporting on proposed cuts to social programs to offset the cost of tax cuts.
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Kristi Noem Secretly Took a Cut of Political Donations
By Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan and Alex Mierjeski
An investigation into potential ethics violations involving South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.
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We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents. They’ve Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days.
By Nicole Foy, photography by Sarahbeth Maney
Documentation of the wrongful detention of U.S. citizens by immigration agents.
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Trump Officials Celebrated With Cake After Slashing Aid. Then People Died of Cholera.
By Anna Maria Barry-Jester and Brett Murphy, photography by Peter DiCampo
The devastating consequences of aid cuts in South Sudan.
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“The President Wanted It and I Did It”: Recording Reveals Head of Social Security’s Thoughts on DOGE and Trump
By Eli Hager
A revealing recording of the former acting Social Security Commissioner discussing the influence of DOGE and Trump.
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This Charter School Superintendent Makes $870,000. He Leads a District With 1,000 Students.
By Ellis Simani, ProPublica, and Lexi Churchill, ProPublica and The Texas Tribune. Co-published with The Texas Tribune.
An investigation into the excessive salary of a Texas charter school superintendent.
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The White House Intervened on Behalf of Accused Sex Trafficker Andrew Tate During a Federal Investigation
By Robert Faturechi and Avi Asher-Schapiro
Details of White House interference in a federal investigation involving Andrew Tate.
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This County Was the “Model” for Local Police Carrying Out Immigration Raids. It Ended in Civil Rights Violations.
By Rafael Carranza, Arizona Luminaria. Co-published with Arizona Luminaria.
A historical look at the 287(g) program in Maricopa County and its impact on civil rights.
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The H-2A Visa Trap
By Max Blau, ProPublica, and Zaydee Sanchez, for ProPublica, with illustrations by Dadu Shin for ProPublica
An investigation into the exploitation of farmworkers through the H-2A visa program.
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“Ticking Time Bomb”: A Pregnant Mother Kept Getting Sicker. She Died After She Couldn’t Get an Abortion in Texas.
By Kavitha Surana and Lizzie Presser, photography by Lexi Parra for ProPublica
The tragic story of a woman who died due to complications during pregnancy after being denied an abortion in Texas.
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To Pay for Trump Tax Cuts, House GOP Floats Plan to Slash Benefits for the Poor and Working Class
By Robert Faturechi and Justin Elliott
Reporting on proposed cuts to social programs to offset the cost of tax cuts.
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Kristi Noem Secretly Took a Cut of Political Donations
By Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan and Alex Mierjeski
An investigation into potential ethics violations involving South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Department of Governmental Efficiency and what impact did it have?
The Department of Governmental Efficiency, initially led by Elon Musk, was established to streamline federal agencies. Its actions led to significant cuts in funding and staffing for crucial organizations like USAID and the Social Security Administration, with demonstrable negative consequences.
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How did ProPublica uncover the story of U.S. citizens being detained by immigration agents?
ProPublica proactively tracked instances of U.S. citizens being wrongly detained by immigration agents, as the government does not maintain such records. Their investigation revealed over 170 cases, including instances of abuse and prolonged detention.
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What role did the recording of Leland Dudek play in understanding the situation at the Social Security Administration?
A leaked recording of Leland Dudek, the acting Social Security Commissioner, revealed his concerns about the agency’s vulnerabilities and his willingness to accommodate the influence of DOGE, shedding light on the challenges facing the administration.
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What were the key findings of the investigation into the Texas charter school superintendent’s salary?
The investigation revealed that a superintendent of a small Texas charter school network was earning an exceptionally high salary of $870,000, raising questions about financial accountability and the allocation of public funds.
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How did ProPublica report on the impact of the Texas abortion ban?
ProPublica conducted a detailed analysis revealing a rise in life-threatening complications for women experiencing pregnancy loss following the implementation of the Texas abortion ban, highlighting the devastating consequences of restricted access to reproductive healthcare.
These investigations represent just a fraction of ProPublica’s impactful work in 2025. As we look ahead, our commitment to independent, investigative journalism remains unwavering. What systemic changes are needed to prevent similar abuses in the future? And how can we ensure that government agencies are truly serving the public interest?
Disclaimer: ProPublica is a non-profit investigative journalism organization. The information presented in this article is based on thorough reporting and research, but should not be considered legal or financial advice.
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