SUSANNE CRAIG

Susanne Craig has established herself as one of the most impactful investigative journalists of her generation, particularly known for her work in financial and political reporting that has earned her journalism's highest honors, including the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting.

Craig's early career experiences helped her develop the methodical approach to investigative reporting that would become her hallmark. At the Wall Street Journal, she covered Wall Street and financial institutions during the critical period of the 2008 financial crisis. Her thorough coverage of the financial industry's collapse provided crucial insights into the inner workings of failing institutions and the broader implications for the economy. This work helped readers understand the complex factors that led to the economic downturn and its aftermath.

In 2010, Craig joined The New York Times, where she has produced some of her most significant work. Her expertise in financial reporting combined with investigative skills has led to numerous high-impact stories. She became particularly known for her ability to analyze complex financial documents and translate their significance for the general public.

One of Craig's most notable achievements came in 2016 when she received an anonymous package containing portions of Donald Trump's 1995 tax returns. Her analysis and reporting on these documents provided unprecedented insight into Trump's financial history and tax strategies, demonstrating her ability to handle sensitive documents and complex financial information while maintaining journalistic integrity.

Craig's investigative work continued with a series of stories examining the Trump family's financial history. Along with colleagues David Barstow and Russ Buettner, she produced an extensive investigation into the Trump family's tax schemes and financial dealings over several decades. The depth and scope of this investigation were remarkable—the team spent more than 18 months analyzing thousands of documents and conducting numerous interviews. Their reporting revealed previously unknown details about the Trump family's wealth and various tax avoidance strategies, demonstrating how extensive research and careful analysis could uncover important stories hiding in plain sight. This work earned the team the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting.

Beyond her Trump-related reporting, Craig has produced significant investigations into various aspects of business and politics, examining corporate malfeasance, political corruption, and financial impropriety across multiple sectors. These stories have often led to regulatory investigations and policy changes.

Craig's approach to investigative journalism is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to thorough documentation. She is known for her ability to build stories from complex paper trails, financial documents, and public records, often discovering crucial information that others have overlooked. Her work has consistently shown the importance of traditional investigative reporting techniques in the digital age. While many journalists increasingly rely on digital sources and social media, Craig's success has often come from her ability to work with physical documents and develop sources through patient, methodical work.

Her influence extends beyond her published work. Craig has become a role model for aspiring investigative journalists, demonstrating the continuing importance of thorough research and careful verification in an era of fast-paced digital journalism. Throughout her career, she has maintained high professional standards while tackling controversial and complex topics, showing particular skill in making complex financial and legal matters accessible to general readers without sacrificing accuracy or detail.

Craig's contributions to journalism have been recognized with numerous awards beyond the Pulitzer Prize, including recognition from various journalism organizations for her outstanding investigative reporting and contributions to financial journalism. These accolades reflect both the impact of her work and the respect she has earned within the profession.

Her career illustrates the evolving nature of investigative journalism and the essential role it plays in maintaining transparency and accountability in both business and government. While maintaining traditional journalistic standards, she has adapted to new technologies and changing media landscapes, showing how deep investigative reporting can remain relevant and impactful in the digital age.
Her reporting has not only revealed important information but has also influenced public policy and corporate behavior.