FactCheck.org Honored with National Headliner Award for Immigration Coverage

In a significant recognition of its political coverage, FactCheck.org has been awarded a 2025 National Headliner Award for excellence in online beat reporting of government and political issues. The organization, a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC), received first place honors specifically for its fact-checking work on immigration claims made by former President Donald Trump during his presidential campaign.

The award-winning entry comprised three articles authored by FactCheck.org staff members Robert Farley, Catalina Jaramillo, D’Angelo Gore, and Lori Robertson. These pieces meticulously examined Trump’s statements about immigration, providing voters with accurate information during a politically charged election season.

“Factcheck.org performed a valuable service for voters by combing through Donald Trump’s claims about America’s immigration problems — false or unsubstantiated claims that would form the basis of his policies — and providing correct information,” the judges noted in their decision. “The reporting is thorough, fair and helpful and deserves commendation.”

The first article in the winning entry provided a detailed explanation of a bipartisan immigration bill and addressed misinformation circulating about its contents. This coverage helped clarify complex policy proposals at a time when immigration reform was a central campaign issue.

In another piece, the fact-checkers directly addressed Trump’s repeated assertion that Venezuela was emptying its prisons and sending criminals to the United States. The article featured insights from experts in both countries, providing crucial context and verification that such claims were unfounded.

The third article focused on debunking various immigration claims Trump made during campaign events in southwestern swing states, where immigration is often a pivotal issue for voters. By providing factual corrections to these statements, FactCheck.org helped voters make more informed decisions based on accurate information.

The National Headliner Awards, established in 1934 by the Press Club of Atlantic City, are among the oldest and most respected journalism awards in the United States. The competition recognizes journalistic merit across various media platforms, with this year’s winners announced on April 30.

This recognition comes at a time when fact-checking organizations face unprecedented challenges. In an era of information overload and deepening political polarization, organizations like FactCheck.org play an increasingly vital role in helping the public distinguish between fact and fiction on critical policy matters.

FactCheck.org’s approach to immigration coverage demonstrates the importance of nonpartisan analysis in political reporting. By focusing on verifiable facts and expert sources, the organization provided a valuable counterpoint to campaign rhetoric that often simplifies or misrepresents complex issues like immigration policy.

Founded in 2003 by APPC Director Kathleen Hall Jamieson and journalist Brooks Jackson, FactCheck.org has established itself as a credible source for political fact-checking. Jackson brought significant experience to the organization, having previously worked for major news outlets including the Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, and CNN.

This award highlights the continued relevance and importance of fact-based political journalism, particularly when covering contentious policy areas like immigration that significantly impact communities across the United States. The recognition from the National Headliner Awards serves as an affirmation of FactCheck.org’s commitment to journalistic principles and public service through accurate reporting.

As political discourse continues to evolve across digital platforms, the role of dedicated fact-checking organizations remains essential for maintaining an informed electorate. FactCheck.org’s award-winning work demonstrates how thorough research and clear explanation can provide crucial context to political claims, regardless of which candidate or party makes them.