Fact vs. Fiction: Claim That NYT and Washington Post Must Return Pulitzers Over Russia Reporting

Blatant Lie Fact Check

Claim via Social Media

Posts circulating on social media allege that a judge’s ruling requires The New York Times and The Washington Post to return their 2018 Pulitzer Prizes for reporting on Russian election interference.

Explanation

This claim is false. According to Lead Stories, the Florida judge’s decision was procedural and did not order the return of any Pulitzer prizes. The judge merely denied the defendants’ motion for a stay and allowed the defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against the Pulitzer board to proceed.

The court did not evaluate the validity of the original reporting by The New York Times or The Washington Post, nor did it make any rulings concerning the Pulitzer Prize process or its outcomes.

This ruling does not imply journalistic wrongdoing or require any awards to be rescinded.

Conclusion

Fact or Fiction? Fiction. The court made no ruling requiring the Pulitzer prizes to be returned. The claim misrepresents a procedural court decision.

Read More

Lead Stories: Fact Check – Florida Court Did NOT Rule That NYT and WaPo Must Return 2018 Pulitzers
MBFC Daily Vetted Fact Checks for 06/04/2025

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Last Updated on June 22, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check

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