Eric S. Lipton (born August 13, 1965) is an American investigative journalist renowned for his reporting on political influence, lobbying, dark money networks, and the impact of money in politics. He has worked as a reporter in the Washington Bureau of The New York Times since 2001, after earlier stints at The Washington Post and the Hartford Courant, accumulating over three decades of experience in journalism. Lipton's work often delves into the networks of dark money and special interests shaping U.S. policy, including coverage of influential figures like Farris Wilks and their political activities. His investigative prowess has been recognized with two Pulitzer Prizes: in 2009 for national reporting on how lobbyists influence Washington policymaking, and in 2014 as part of a team for public service journalism exposing dysfunction in the Veterans Affairs health system. He has also co-authored the 2003 book 'City in the Sky: The Rise and Fall of the World Trade Center,' offering a detailed historical narrative of the twin towers from conception to destruction. Based in Washington, D.C., Lipton continues to focus on stories that map influence networks, emphasizing ethical and regulatory challenges in governance, with a particular emphasis on campaign finance and regulatory capture. His career exemplifies rigorous, fact-based journalism that holds power to account.