The New York Times faces scrutiny over columnist Nicholas Kristof’s political connections after he returned to the newspaper in 2022. Kristof had left the Times in 2021 to run for governor of Oregon. He was disqualified due to residency requirements but returned with conditions. Kristof agreed either to avoid writing about his campaign donors or to disclose these connections.
Recent reports revealed Kristof praised Bill Gates in his columns without disclosing Gates’ significant campaign contributions. Gates, along with his former wife, reportedly donated $100,000 to Kristof’s campaign. Kristof also mentioned McKinsey Managing Partner Bob Sternfels and Harvard Professor Joseph Nye without noting their donations to his campaign.
A Times spokesperson acknowledged these omissions and confirmed ongoing reviews of Kristof’s articles for potential clarifications. The Times has specific rules against its journalists’ involvement in political activities. This review follows inquiries about Kristof’s potential conflict of interest due to these undisclosed connections.
Kristof has been vocal about Jeffrey Epstein, asking former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak about ties to Epstein at an event. Kristof has criticized Epstein’s connections with figures like President Trump but has not detailed Gates’ ties to Epstein in his pieces.
Gates and Epstein interacted multiple times between 2011 and 2014, with Gates denying witnessing any criminal behavior by Epstein. Despite these associations, Kristof’s reports on Gates did not mention campaign contributions or Gates’ interactions with Epstein.
This situation is not Kristof’s first controversy at the Times. He recently wrote an article alleging abuse by Israeli authorities against Palestinians, which drew significant backlash. The piece was criticized for reportedly involving figures connected to anti-Israel activism and led to protests demanding a retraction. The Times defended the article, maintaining its support through independent studies.