Washington Examiner – Bias and Credibility

These media sources are slight to moderately conservative in bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes) to favor conservative causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Right-Center sources.

• Overall, we rate the Washington Examiner Right-Center Biased based on editorial positions that almost exclusively favor the right. We also rate them as mostly factual in reporting rather than High due to occasional one-sided op-eds that leave out important context.

The Washington Examiner was established in 2005 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Known for its political journalism, the site and weekly magazine focus on U.S. and international politics and policy. Hugo Gordon is the editor, steering its editorial direction with a distinct right-leaning perspective. The publication began as a daily print newspaper but shifted to a weekly magazine and online news source to align with changing media consumption trends.

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

The Washington Examiner is owned by Clarity Media Group, owned by Philip Anschutz, an American billionaire entrepreneur who describes himself as a “conservative Christian.” Anschutz is also the owner of the right-leaning Weekly Standard and has donated millions of dollars to right-leaning causes, including anti-LGBT groups, such as the Family Research Council, which has been labeled a hate group. The Washington Examiner is funded through an advertising and subscription model.

Analysis / Bias

The Washington Examiner has a clear right-leaning editorial approach, often positioning itself similarly to other politically focused outlets like The Hill, but with a more conservative slant. While its news reporting often includes standard political news, especially related to Washington, D.C., the publication uses loaded and sometimes sensational language in its headlines. Examples include headlines such as “Border Patrol agents joyful over Trump’s return to White House: ‘We have hope’,” which can be seen as catering to emotionally charged topics that resonate with its conservative readership. However, the body of the articles tends to moderate this tone, providing information sourced from reputable outlets.

Editorially, the publication consistently promotes conservative viewpoints with little attempt at ideological balance. Opinion pieces frequently present a critique of left-leaning figures and policies. An example of its editorial stance is found in headlines like “Minority voters reject the Democratic Party’s DEI candidate,” which exemplifies the paper’s anti-left rhetoric. In general, the Washington Examiner is reasonably fact-based and holds a moderate conservative bias.

Failed Fact Checks

• None in the last 5 years.

Overall, we rate the Washington Examiner Right-Center Biased based on editorial positions that almost exclusively favor the right. We also rate them as mostly factual in reporting rather than High due to occasional one-sided op-eds that leave out important context. (7/18/2016) Updated (D. Van Zandt 11/07/2024)

Source: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/