Name: Scott MacFarlane Reports Bias and Credibility Review
Item: Scott MacFarlane Reports
Author: Media Bias Fact Check

Scott MacFarlane Reports is rated Left-Center with High factual reporting by Media Bias Fact Check.

LEFT-CENTER BIAS

These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information, but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.

Overall, we rate Scott MacFarlane Reports Left-Center biased based on its consistently critical coverage of Donald Trump and congressional Republicans, favorable attention to Democratic political prospects, and frequent use of loaded language. We rate it High for factual reporting because its reporting is generally supported by public records, direct quotations, polling, legislation, and credible sources.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-3.5)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (1.8)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

Scott MacFarlane Reports is a Substack newsletter published by Washington journalist Scott MacFarlane. According to its About page, it provides daily political, legal, and investigative reporting.

MacFarlane previously worked as a justice correspondent for CBS News and an investigative reporter for NBC Washington. In March 2026, he joined the left-leaning MeidasTouch Network as chief Washington correspondent and anchor of “Scott MacFarlane Reports.”

Read our profile on the United States media and government.

Funded by / Ownership

The newsletter is independently published by Scott MacFarlane and hosted on Substack. It is funded primarily through paid subscriptions. MacFarlane is also employed by MeidasTouch, which distributes his reporting and program.

Analysis / Bias

Scott MacFarlane Reports combines original reporting with political analysis and commentary. Articles frequently cite congressional records, legislation, polling, court filings, public statements, and established political-rating organizations.

In Pivotal Pennsylvania, Democrats Detect a Shift, MacFarlane focuses on Democratic opportunities to gain Republican-held congressional seats. The article uses polling and Cook Political Report ratings but relies heavily on Democratic sources and provides limited Republican response.

In Trump’s Dinner Reveals a Crisis….. for Some Legacy Media, he describes Donald Trump’s behavior at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as an “abomination” marked by “ugliness, meanness and pettiness.” This is clearly opinionated and strongly critical of Trump.

Similarly, GOP’s Trump-Adoration Legislation is Fading Into Obscurity uses loaded phrases such as “Trump-glazing,” “vanity legislation,” and “Trump-loving bills.” Although the article accurately references introduced legislation and sponsorship totals, its framing is openly mocking and relies primarily on criticism from Democratic lawmakers.

MacFarlane’s reporting is generally well sourced and based on verifiable public records. However, story selection and language consistently favor Democratic and anti-Trump perspectives, with limited conservative viewpoints.

Failed Fact Checks

None to date

Overall, we rate Scott MacFarlane Reports Left-Center biased based on its consistently critical coverage of Donald Trump and congressional Republicans, favorable attention to Democratic political prospects, and frequent use of loaded language. We rate it High for factual reporting because its reporting is generally supported by public records, direct quotations, polling, legislation, and credible sources. (D. Van Zandt 08/01/2026)

Source: https://macfarlanenews.substack.com/

Last Updated on August 1, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check