Sign in

Peter Baker

@peterbakernyt.bsky.social
182K followers 280 following 2.1K posts

Chief White House Correspondent for The New York Times and MS NOW analyst. Proud husband of @sbg1.bsky.social and equally proud father of @tab-delete.bsky.social. Co-author of "The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021."

PostsRepliesMedia
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 14h
It took 16 months to get Evan Gershkovich out of a Russian prison. It took many more months to get the Russian prison out of Evan Gershkovich. Now for the first time since the swap that freed him, he is talking about his ordeal -- and that of the Russians. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/29/u...
nytimes.com
The Russian Prison That Evan Gershkovich Carried Home
In an interview, Mr. Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter who was imprisoned in Russia for 16 months, described his ordeal and the moment that nearly broke him.
212931
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
RIP Charlie Trueheart, a longtime, widely admired @washingtonpost correspondent who wrote a gripping book about Vietnam where his father was a top diplomat during the 1963 coup. www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2...
washingtonpost.com
Charles Trueheart, Post reporter and author who ‘could do it all,’ dies at 75
He profiled John Updike and Norman Mailer, served as a foreign correspondent in Canada and France, and wrote a prizewinning book about the Vietnam War.
1365
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Even a couple Front Row Joes, the most ardent Trump fans who for years followed him from rally to rally, are disenchanted. "A fraud and a liar," says one who now favors impeachment. "He can't be trusted," says another. Dasha Burns @wsteaks.bsky.social @adamwren.bsky.social www.politico.com/playbook
politico.com
Playbook
The unofficial guide to official Washington, every morning and weekday afternoons.
812528
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
"Paid for by the US Government": Trump is using taxpayer dollars to air pro-Trump TV ads, including a 2024 campaign ad. A GOP senator says no public official, including Trump, "should spend public money on private ads for themselves." @baylisswagner.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/09/27/u...
nytimes.com
A Trump 2024 Campaign Ad Returns, Now Brought to You by the Government
The ad, which ethics experts said could violate federal law, shows Mr. Trump vowing to “expel the warmongers” from the government and fight the “deep state,” even as he wages a war with Iran.
2920576
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Eleven days before the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack, Egypt's intelligence chief made a secret mission to Israel to warn officials of a possible assault. He was on the ground just 67 minutes, so intent he had to come in person. Vivian Salama has the receipts. www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
theatlantic.com
Egypt’s Warning to Israel
Cairo’s intelligence chief visited Tel Aviv shortly before October 7 with a dire message about Gaza.
29336199
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Since 1990 when the @WSJ began polling, no president has been as unpopular as Trump is at this point before a midterm election. His 37% approval is lower than Clinton, Bush or Obama had before big midterm defeats. www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
wsj.com
Trump Is Predicting Midterms Success but Republicans Are Starting to Panic
The president’s approval rating drops to 37% in a WSJ poll, the lowest of any president heading into a midterm election in Journal polls dating to 1990.
2722485
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The @nytimes.com has made some mistakes over its 175-year history. Says who? Says the @nytimes.com. The great @adamnagourney.bsky.social recounts some of the paper's most bruising screwups -- and its commitment to correcting the record when we do get it wrong. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/20/b...
nytimes.com
Mistakes? We’ve Made a Few
For most of its life, The New York Times has tried to correct its errors. These efforts have not always been perfect.
11576
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Trump described the Xi summit as “tremendous” and said the two leaders made “great strides.” Xi said they added “new substance” to the relationship. But after two days of meetings, they had little to show beyond pageantry. Zolan Kano-Youngs @sangernyt.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/09/25/u...
nytimes.com
As Xi Leaves Washington, Divisions Still Simmer Beneath the Surface
President Trump welcomed Xi Jinping of China for a state visit that was heavy on pomp and ceremony. But surprisingly little time was spent on the issues that most divide the two superpowers.
1611625
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
"So many Republican candidates in recent days have broken with Trump that it’s as if a secret memo went out announcing that the floodgates were officially open," writes @sbg1.bsky.social www.newyorker.com/news/letter-...
newyorker.com
The Week Republicans Finally Panicked About Trump
President Trump is deeply unpopular and trapped in an unwon war of his own choosing. A reckoning—one far harsher than was expected, even a few months ago—seems imminent, Susan B. Glasser writes.
2618051
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In Trump’s White House, China’s Dictator Is Welcome. American Media, Less So. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/24/u...
nytimes.com
In Trump’s White House, China’s Dictator Is Welcome. American Media, Less So.
The showdown over President Trump’s partial media ban played out as he welcomed President Xi Jinping, whose government is ranked among the most repressive in the world.
1111332
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
El-Sayed in Michigan and Pappas in New Hampshire lead in races for Senate seats currently held by Democrats while Collins is ahead in defending her Republican seat in Maine, per @nytimes.com @sienaresearch.bsky.social polling. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/24/u...
nytimes.com
Democrats Show Strength in Michigan Senate Race but Trail in Maine, Polls Find
The party’s nominees lead in Michigan and New Hampshire but the Republican incumbent is ahead in Maine, according to New York Times/Siena polls of the three battlegrounds.
9327
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Judge Kelly rules that Trump's ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico is likely unconstitutional and orders the White House to restore credentials and access to their reporters while litigation proceeds. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/b...
nytimes.com
Court Blocks Trump’s White House Ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico
Judge Timothy J. Kelly issued a temporary restraining order and told the White House to immediately restore the press credentials for the employees of the three news outlets.
87211
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The White House says it banned Politico for using anonymous sources. One of the examples it cited was their own background briefing in which the White House itself provided the anonymous official. @scottnover.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
washingtonpost.com
The White House banned Politico, citing anonymous sources. It provided the quotes.
In a letter defending its ban of Politico, the White House critiqued a report based on a press call it conducted, where reporters were told not to name the speaker.
281393345
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Trump plan to exclude certain immigrants from the 2030 census might actually hurt Republicans. If House seats were redistributed by such a census, it could cost Texas and Florida seats and add seats to Minnesota and Oregon. @jadelson.bsky.social @albertsun.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
Trump’s Census Proposal Could Cut House Seats From Red States
88522
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The first architect on Trump's ballroom who quit last year had clashed with the president on design flaws, arguing that the plan violated building safety codes. "I am the code," Trump replied. www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio...
washingtonpost.com
‘I am the code’: Trump clashed with ballroom architect over safety issues
James McCrery II resigned in October after warning that the president was insisting on designs that violated fire and safety codes.
3015575
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
A majority of Americans (56%) say the rule of law in the US is weaker now than a decade ago, when Trump was first elected president, according to a massive new survey of more than 23,000 adults. @margarettalev.bsky.social www.axios.com/2026/09/23/p...
axios.com
Poll: Americans see rule of law declining in U.S.
Just 28% believe political leaders will be held accountable if they don't follow the rule of law..
1913731
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Challenger Nithya Raman surges to a wide lead over Mayor Karen Bass in L.A., 39% to 28%, per @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social @latimes.com poll, but there are still lots of undecided voters. www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Raman takes big lead over Bass in latest poll for L.A. mayor's race
Councilmember Nithya Raman is favored by 39% of likely voters in the latest UC Berkeley/L.A. Times poll, with Mayor Karen Bass at 28%. But 33% are undecided.
59113
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Still at it: Russia targeting Americans with covert online disinformation to undermine public confidence in the midterm elections, using a familiar playbook to inject chaos into the voting season, per US intelligence. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/18/u...
nytimes.com
Russia Aims to Inject Chaos Into Elections, U.S. Intelligence Finds
The Kremlin is once again seeking to undermine confidence in American democracy with online influence campaigns, U.S. officials said.
1710854
Reposted by Peter Baker
HuffPost @huffpost.com · 21/09/2026
414140562944
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
How Russia used old-fashioned money laundering to funnel more than $6.9 billion through the international banking system despite sanctions. @chassnews.bsky.social www.ft.com/content/3848...
ft.com
Kremlin-backed forgery scheme moved $6.9bn through global banks
FT finds thousands of Russian payments received by Standard Chartered, Citigroup and other international groups in vast leak from inside fintech A7
77030
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The decision by the major television outlets not to participate in the White House pool today in response to Trump's self-declared "ban on the free press" will leave the most TV-addicted president in our history without network cameras recording his every utterance and movement.
61723151
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
He's stuck in a quagmire war, lost bids to limit mail-in voting and slap his name on the Kennedy Center and failed to pressure the Fed on interest rates. So Trump is trying to change the narrative by cracking down on a favorite foil: the media. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/19/u...
nytimes.com
Trump Faced Loss After Loss. He Then Turned to a Familiar Target: The Press.
The president’s ban of three media outlets from the White House fits a pattern of using the apparatus of government to crack down on his perceived enemies.
2522472
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Our colleagues at @cnn.com @msnownews.bsky.social and @politico.com are thorough professionals doing an excellent job of covering the White House. Proud of their courage and commitment to independent journalism in the face of intimidation and punishment.
3224143
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The @nytimes.com is celebrating its 175th anniversary. In case you missed it, the best account of the paper's recent history is "The Times" by the fabulous @adamnagourney.bsky.social, who got interviews and internal documents never before made public. A terrific book. www.amazon.com/dp/045149936...
amazon.com
The Times: How the Newspaper of Record Survived Scandal, Scorn, and the Transformation of Journalism: Nagourney, Adam: 9780451499363: Amazon.com: Books
The Times: How the Newspaper of Record Survived Scandal, Scorn, and the Transformation of Journalism [Nagourney, Adam] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Times: How the Newspaper...
7377
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Minnesota's chief judge on concerns about Trump violations of court orders: "It’s the rule of law. If you don’t have it, you have either anarchy or you have authoritarianism. You have Russia or you have China or you have North Korea." @schwartzesque.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/09/17/u...
nytimes.com
Trump’s Minnesota Surge Threatened Democracy, Judge Warns
59828
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Patel temporarily halted some cooperation with FBI's Canadian counterpart over a public broadcaster's policy not to refer to 9/11 attacks as “terrorism” without attribution to experts. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/18/u...
nytimes.com
F.B.I. Temporarily Halted Cooperation With Canada Over References to 9/11
The abrupt move by Kash Patel, the bureau’s director, came as President Trump was ramping up his attacks on the country.
84113
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
It used to be that attorneys general in both parties thought it was important to stay removed from partisan politics while in office. Not Todd Blanche, who has lately addressed the Republican midterm convention and a Republican rally. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/17/u...
nytimes.com
Blanche’s Political Campaigning Breaks an Ethical Norm Going Back to Watergate
The attorney general’s campaign politicking for Republicans adds to the degradation of post-Watergate values at the Justice Department.
97129
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Ovechkin addresses backlash over his video for Putin's political party in advance of Russian parliamentary elections: "I'm Russian and I support my country. So as I said, I’m for peace and love." @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/760...
nytimes.com
Alex Ovechkin addresses role in pro-Putin video: ‘I’m Russian and I support my country’ (Gift Article)
Ovechkin opened his 22nd NHL training camp by addressing his appearance in a video supporting United Russia.
25255
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Hasan Piker tells @axios.com that he believes America conducts more terrorism in the world than al-Qaeda. "Pound for pound as far as the number of deaths, yes," he says, adding: "We have caused tremendous terror all around the world." www.axios.com/2026/09/17/h...
axios.com
Hasan Piker on "The Axios Show": America worse than al-Qaeda "pound for pound"
The Twitch streamer is central to GOP attacks on Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate race.
17366
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Defying Trump, Warsh and the Fed raise interest rates for the first time since 2023 in an effort to tame persistent inflation. @colbylsmith.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/live/2026/09...
nytimes.com
Live Updates: Warsh and Fed Officials Raise Interest Rates to Fight Inflation
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, by a quarter of a percentage point, and suggested more increases could follow. The move puts its new leader, Kevin Warsh, at od...
47614
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Alex Ovechkin, the face of the Washington Capitals and all-time leading NHL scorer appears in a propaganda ad for Putin's political party in advance of traditionally rigged parliamentary elections in Russia. @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...
nytimes.com
Alex Ovechkin appears in Russian campaign ad, renewing scrutiny of Putin ties (Gift Article)
Heading into his 22nd NHL season, Ovechkin now faces a fresh spotlight on his backing of the Russian president.
93614
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Americans have collectively spent $107 billion more on gasoline and diesel during the Iran war and disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine conflict than if there been no war, according to estimates by the @climatesollab.bsky.social at Brown University @daviduberti.bsky.social www.wsj.com/business/ene...
wsj.com
Americans Have Spent $100 Billion More on Fuel During the Iran War
Higher gasoline and diesel prices have led many families to save less and curb spending elsewhere.
109132
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
After driving away artists and audiences, the Trump team closes the Kennedy Center and Trump, indicating his real priority, says he will cancel a $257 million renovation of the venue if his name is not returned to the building. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/15/a...
nytimes.com
Kennedy Center Closes Its Doors Despite a Judge’s Order
The announcement came after President Trump said he would cancel a $257 million renovation of the venue if his name is not returned to the building.
2911841
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Trump: "The overall numbers beat the NFL." Midterm convention viewers: 3 million NFL viewers: 25 million www.cnn.com/2026/09/15/m...
cnn.com
Trump said the GOP’s midterm convention outperformed the NFL. Ratings show otherwise | CNN Business
There were two big events on television last Wednesday night: President Donald Trump’s speech at the Republican Party’s midterm convention, and the NFL’s 2025-26 season kickoff game between the Seattl...
64337104
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Supreme Court blocks Trump's plan to use the postal system to curb mail-in voting. Just two justices register dissent, Thomas and Alito. @abbievansickle.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/live/2026/09...
nytimes.com
Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Restrictions on Mail Voting: Live Updates
The ruling blocks the Trump administration from dramatically changing how Americans vote by mail in the midterm elections.
1010923
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Bettina Trump, Don Jr.'s wife, defends having a Putin ally finance part of their wedding trip, saying he was simply "our dear friend." Such a dear friend that brother Eric's rep told @propublica.org that “Eric has absolutely no clue who this person is, nor has never heard his name.”
3324793
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Donald Trump Jr.'s island wedding extravaganza was partially funded and planned by a Russian oligarch who is close to Putin and attended part of the multi-day outing. Don Jr calls him a "personal friend." @justinelliott.bsky.social @amierjeski.bsky.social www.propublica.org/article/dona...
propublica.org
Donald Trump Jr.’s Wedding Bankrolled by Putin-Linked Russian Oligarch
The oligarch, Umar Kremlev, spent hundreds of thousands on expenses like renting out a private island. He appears to have met Trump Jr. only recently, but he attended the intimate wedding with a large...
2914149
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
The drumbeat about unpredictable, out-of-control AI agents increased dramatically in the past several weeks. Washington not only struggled to respond. It barely could agree on whether there was much of anything to worry about. @sangernyt.bsky.social Dustin Volz www.nytimes.com/2026/09/13/u...
nytimes.com
As Fears of A.I. Catastrophe Magnify, Washington Stirs, but Mostly Slumbers
President Trump has been at the forefront of the “what-me-worry?” crowd, refusing to engage on how to balance the risks and rewards of A.I.
128831
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/10/u...
nytimes.com
25 Years After 9/11, Trump Personifies a Nation Moving On
The president has de-emphasized and shifted the war on terrorism at a time when fear of foreign attack has receded into the background of American life.
296815
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Trump denies skipping New York event because he couldn't speak, saying he was invited to Pentagon instead. But he hasn't explained why he isn't doing both. On other big anniversaries, Bush (1st and 5th), Obama (10th) and Biden (20th) visited all three attack sites the same day.
3327865
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
60 posts in 10 hours: The rat-a-tat of ever wilder, ever more outrageous social media images each weekend has become a fixture of Trump's second term, seen more and more as a barometer of his mental state. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/09/u...
nytimes.com
60 Posts in 10 Hours: How Trump’s Social Media Reflects His Version of Reality
With an assist from A.I., President Trump offers a window into how he wants to be seen — and, critics say, a barometer of his mental state.
1611029
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
60 posts in 10 hours: The rat-a-tat of ever wilder, ever more outrageous social media images each weekend has become a fixture of Trump's second term, seen more and more as a barometer of his mental state. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/09/u...
nytimes.com
60 Posts in 10 Hours: How Trump’s Social Media Reflects His Version of Reality
With an assist from A.I., President Trump offers a window into how he wants to be seen — and, critics say, a barometer of his mental state.
55522128
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Out today: "Money to Burn," the William Cohan blockbuster new account of Leon Black, Apollo and the transformation of Wall Street. Among other things, Cohan gets Black to talk on the record about his baffling relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. www.amazon.com/Money-Burn-U...
amazon.com
Amazon.com: Money to Burn: The Unvarnished Truth About Leon Black, Apollo, and the Rise of a New Wall Street: 9780593716342: Cohan, William D.: Books
Amazon.com: Money to Burn: The Unvarnished Truth About Leon Black, Apollo, and the Rise of a New Wall Street: 9780593716342: Cohan, William D.: Books
34210
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Lonnie Bunch to step down as the Smithsonian's chief amid pressure from the White House over the museum's presentation of history. Bunch says the pressure is not why he is resigning but acknowledges that "it has been stressful." www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/a...
nytimes.com
Smithsonian’s Secretary to Resign as Trump Tries to Rule the Institution
In the face of escalating White House attacks about how museums present American history, Lonnie G. Bunch III has announced his decision to depart.
64316
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Senator Marshall filed lawsuits against more than 700 patients with outstanding bills during his decades-long career as an obstetrician-gynecologist. Patients were arrested in 81 of those cases for missing court dates. @sarahkliff.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/u...
nytimes.com
Roger Marshall Sued 700 Patients for Debts; 81 Were Arrested. Now He’s a Senator.
Patients sued by Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas were routinely charged 18 percent interest, The Times found. Some had bank accounts garnished.
77430
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
"The one thing he likes to do during the week is construction": With the US mired in an intractable Middle East war, Trump basks in the momentum on a half-dozen makeover projects he has set in motion throughout the capital. @lukebroadwater.bsky.social Maggie Haberman www.nytimes.com/2026/09/07/u...
nytimes.com
As War Grinds On, Trump Relishes Renovation Projects
President Trump is basking in the momentum of the various projects he has spurred around downtown Washington.
165013
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
While "shadow secretary" at DHS, Lewandowski asked Qatari and UAE officials to hire him to deal with issues under the department’s purview, such as visas, sources tell @tpartin.bsky.social Josh Dawsey @mhackman.bsky.social and Summer Said.(Lewandowski disputes this.) www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
wsj.com
Chasing Side Deals, Flexing Influence: Lewandowski’s Power Moves at DHS
Kristi Noem’s close adviser effectively controlled billions in spending at Homeland Security; Lewandowski denies seeking business or playing any role in agency’s contracts.
86221
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Leopold Aschenbrenner was dubbed the “Nostradamus of AI." His spectacular $35 billion loss "reveals how eager Silicon Valley is to invest its billions in the dubious hands of a kid who confidently proclaims what he doesn’t actually know," writes Theo Baker. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
theatlantic.com
The Prodigy Problem
Leopold Aschenbrenner claimed to know the future of AI. His investors lost billions.
2487
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
AfD dominates a crucial state election in Germany, but falls short of the absolute majority that would have made it the first far-right party to govern part of the country since the Nazi era. @jimtankersley.bsky.social Christopher Schuetze www.nytimes.com/live/2026/09...
nytimes.com
Here’s the latest.
3139079
Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Yet even as he tried to return to Trump's fold, Cohen kept a foot in the other camp. George Conway says Cohen called to offer to help his campaign for Congress. “I’m like, what? He’s trying to suck up to Trump and literally my entire campaign was about sending this guy to jail.”
19724121