A note to our readers, from CEO Goli Sheikholeslami and Editor-in-Chief John F. Harris:
POLITICO has been the subject of debate on X this week. Some of it has been misinformed, and some of it has been flat-out false. Let’s set the record straight.
POLITICO is a privately owned company. We have never received any government funding—no subsidies, no grants, no handouts. Not one dime, ever, in 18 years.
Millions of people around the world read our journalism on POLITICO.com, POLITICO. EU, and in newsletters like this one. It is supported by advertising and sponsorships.
POLITICO Pro is different. It is a professional subscription service used by companies, organizations, and, yes, some government agencies. They subscribe because it makes them better at their jobs—helping them track policy, legislation, and regulations in real-time with news, intelligence, and a suite of data products. At its core, POLITICO Pro is about transparency and accountability: Shining a light on the work of the agencies, regulators, and policymakers throughout our governments. Businesses and entities within the government find it useful as they navigate the chaotic regulatory and legislative landscape. It’s that simple.
Most POLITICO Pro subscribers are in the private sector. They come from across the ideological spectrum and subscribe for one reason: value. And 90% renew every year because they rely on our reporting, data, and insights.
Government agencies that subscribe do so through standard public procurement processes—just like any other tool they buy to work smarter and be more efficient. This is not funding. It is a transaction—just as the government buys research, equipment, software, and industry reports.
Some online voices are deliberately spreading falsehoods. Let’s be clear: POLITICO has no financial dependence to the government and no hidden agenda. We cover politics and policy—that’s our job.
We stand by our work, our values, and our commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency—the same principles that drive great journalism and great business.
Now, back to work.
Goli Sheikholeslami, CEO
John Harris, Editor-in-Chief
