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Career & Education
About
Ed Pilkington is a British journalist and senior correspondent for The Guardian U.S., specializing in investigative journalism on U.S. politics, race relations, criminal justice, and social issues. Born in the UK, he joined The Guardian in 1983 after graduating from university, initially working as a reporter in Manchester before moving to London. His early career focused on UK domestic stories, but he gained prominence for international reporting, including coverage of the Northern Ireland peace process and environmental issues. In 2005, Pilkington relocated to New York City to become the newspaper's New York correspondent, where he has since covered major U.S. events such as the 2008 financial crisis, the election of Barack Obama, the Trump administration, and the Black Lives Matter movement. His investigative work often exposes networks of influence, including adversarial reporting on conservative donor organizations like Donors Trust, which he has criticized for funding right-wing causes. Pilkington's reporting is characterized by a commitment to social justice and accountability, earning him awards such as the Orwell Prize for journalism. He has authored books, including 'Beyond the Mother Country' on British Asians, and contributes to Guardian long-form investigations. Based in the U.S. for nearly two decades, he provides a transatlantic perspective on American affairs, frequently addressing gun violence, police reform, and political polarization. His work has drawn both acclaim for its depth and occasional controversy for challenging powerful interests.