Paul Kiel

Join Catherine Thompson, a features editor at The Cut and former TPM reporter, Paul Kiel from ProPublica, editorial strategist David Kurtz, and ex-TPM Capitol Hill reporter Evan McMorris-Santoro for a deep dive into the history of TPM. They reminisce about their early days, the challenges of establishing an investigative edge, and critical coverage of right-wing movements and extremism. The panel highlights TPM's foresight in covering Trump's rise and militia groups, offering insightful reflections on journalism's evolution over 25 years.

Paul Kiel, a reporter for ProPublica focusing on the IRS, reveals a crisis within the agency stemming from political budget cuts. He discusses how these cuts have led to fewer audits and a growing tax gap, particularly impacting low-income taxpayers. Kiel highlights the stark inequalities in tax enforcement, where wealthy individuals often evade scrutiny. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes the dedication of IRS employees to public service and the need for proper funding to restore the agency's effectiveness.