Tom DeFrank

His reporting has been praised as "riveting." ABC News describes him as "excellent, well-connected and influential" and "legendary." The American Journalism Review has rated him "one of the unsung stars of Washington journalism." The New York Times ranked him as one of the country's best political ghostwriters. President Gerald R. Ford recognized him as "one of the finest journalists I have ever known. Everyone I know feels the same way: you are fair, trustworthy and professional."

Tom DeFrank, a veteran political journalist and author, currently serves as the Washington bureau chief of The New York Daily News, where he has been directing coverage of the nation's capital since 1996 for the fourth-largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country. DeFrank's distinguished career encompasses reporting on the activities of nine U.S. Presidents: Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama, and most recently, the Trump administration. In 2006, he received the Gerald R. Ford Prize for distinguished reporting on the Presidency, highlighting his acute perception of political relationships and their impact on policy.

DeFrank is the co-author of several significant political books, including "Bare Knuckles and Back Rooms," the memoir of consultant Ed Rollins, and "The Politics of Diplomacy," detailing the experiences of former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III. His work on "Quest for the Presidency - 92" offers a detailed analysis of the Clinton-Bush election. His books and articles are praised for their insightful, balanced journalism, often being the first to report major political stories.

Throughout his career, DeFrank has appeared on numerous public affairs television programs, enhancing public understanding of complex political issues through shows such as "Meet the Press," "Face the Nation," and "The Charlie Rose Show." As a speaker, he shares deep insights garnished with amusing anecdotes from his extensive experience, providing a penetrating look at current events and the Washington scene. His ongoing contributions to journalism continue to offer valuable perspectives on the dynamics of U.S. politics.