Jonathan David Karl (born January 19, 1968) is an American political journalist and author who serves as ABC News' chief Washington correspondent and co-anchor of 'This Week.' He is renowned for his in-depth coverage of U.S. politics, foreign policy, national security, and political scandals. Karl graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Vassar College, where he contributed to the student newspaper and interned at prominent media outlets. He began his career as a researcher and reporter for The New Republic, then joined the New York Post in 1994, covering New York City Hall and conducting early interviews with figures like Donald Trump. In January 2003, he joined ABC News as senior foreign affairs correspondent, focusing on the State Department and traveling with Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice. By December 2005, he advanced to senior national security correspondent, covering the White House, Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, and the State Department from more than 30 countries. His reporting has become a prominent voice in political journalism, particularly noted for coverage of scandals and influence networks, and he has authored books dissecting political events and controversies with behind-the-scenes insights from interviews with world leaders.