Mr. Dan Zak
@mrdanzak.com
Senior editor at The Atlantic.
Bio & work: www.mrdanzak.com
Author of ALMIGHTY, a book on the bomb: http://amzn.to/35PAusZ
Bio & work: www.mrdanzak.com
Author of ALMIGHTY, a book on the bomb: http://amzn.to/35PAusZ
Pinned
Mr. Dan Zak
@mrdanzak.com
· Mar 16
The hero
Rich Fierro fought in America’s war on terror. Then terror found him at home.
wapo.st
I wrote about the life of Rich Fierro, who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan for 10 years, returned home and worked hard to put his life back together — only to have his family caught in a mass shooting, which turned them all into combat veterans. wapo.st/3vjxIsU
Here are 50 of the 300k civil servants purged by Trump. "A portrait of the void that will haunt American life."
The woman trying to get seeds to Sudan, the woman modernizing our tsunami warning system, the top investigator of Chinese counterintelligence... www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
The woman trying to get seeds to Sudan, the woman modernizing our tsunami warning system, the top investigator of Chinese counterintelligence... www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
The Purged
Donald Trump’s destruction of the civil service is a tragedy not just for the roughly 300,000 workers who have been discarded, but for an entire nation.
www.theatlantic.com
January 12, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Here are 50 of the 300k civil servants purged by Trump. "A portrait of the void that will haunt American life."
The woman trying to get seeds to Sudan, the woman modernizing our tsunami warning system, the top investigator of Chinese counterintelligence... www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
The woman trying to get seeds to Sudan, the woman modernizing our tsunami warning system, the top investigator of Chinese counterintelligence... www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
My 2022 profile of Alaska's Mary Peltola, who is running for Senate.
"I default to that more gentle way of engaging ... A lot can be expressed thru body language & facial expressions & gentle words..." www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/20...
"I default to that more gentle way of engaging ... A lot can be expressed thru body language & facial expressions & gentle words..." www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/20...
What good is 16 weeks in Congress? Mary Peltola is about to show us.
After beating Sarah Palin for a U.S. House seat, Mary Peltola was sworn in as the first Alaska Native in Congress. To retain the seat, Peltola has to win a rematch with Palin and others in November.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 12, 2026 at 4:27 PM
My 2022 profile of Alaska's Mary Peltola, who is running for Senate.
"I default to that more gentle way of engaging ... A lot can be expressed thru body language & facial expressions & gentle words..." www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/20...
"I default to that more gentle way of engaging ... A lot can be expressed thru body language & facial expressions & gentle words..." www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/20...
Reposted by Mr. Dan Zak
ICYMI: WaPo, on why ICE always has phones in their hands: to feed the social media beast.
@drewharwell.com
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/i...
@drewharwell.com
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/i...
January 9, 2026 at 11:53 PM
ICYMI: WaPo, on why ICE always has phones in their hands: to feed the social media beast.
@drewharwell.com
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/i...
@drewharwell.com
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/i...
Reposted by Mr. Dan Zak
So ICE and the White House have been scrambling to pump out meme videos of clashes with protesters and "epic takedowns" and then an ICE agent recording video with his phone shoots a woman dead www.washingtonpost.com/technology/i...
We read thousands of internal ICE chats. They show how officials make raids go viral
Thousands of internal ICE messages show how its public affairs team has coordinated with the White House to satisfy Trump administration demands for viral arrest videos
www.washingtonpost.com
January 10, 2026 at 12:33 PM
So ICE and the White House have been scrambling to pump out meme videos of clashes with protesters and "epic takedowns" and then an ICE agent recording video with his phone shoots a woman dead www.washingtonpost.com/technology/i...
"Now that ICE is bringing on new recruits in droves while cutting training time, Rielly said he worries more incidents like the one in Minneapolis are inevitable. One former colleague texted him, 'You should see the guys they’re hiring now.'" www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
How ICE Lost Its Guardrails
The Minneapolis shooting will get less official scrutiny because of cuts by the Trump administration.
www.theatlantic.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:57 PM
"Now that ICE is bringing on new recruits in droves while cutting training time, Rielly said he worries more incidents like the one in Minneapolis are inevitable. One former colleague texted him, 'You should see the guys they’re hiring now.'" www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
“The president seems to think that beating police officers is 'peaceful,' but attempting to flee from them is terrorism.” www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Trump Has Odd Views on Domestic Terrorism
The president seems to think that beating police officers is 'peaceful,' but attempting to flee from them is terrorism.
www.theatlantic.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:20 PM
“The president seems to think that beating police officers is 'peaceful,' but attempting to flee from them is terrorism.” www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Reposted by Mr. Dan Zak
This observation is as straightforward as it is crucial, worth reading every word, from @adamserwer.bsky.social's latest:
January 8, 2026 at 7:38 PM
This observation is as straightforward as it is crucial, worth reading every word, from @adamserwer.bsky.social's latest:
Alexandra Petri tried to be her own government last year.
Mistakes were made. Lessons were learned. And—typical of government—she produced a report. It's hilarious. And its conclusion is quite touching: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Mistakes were made. Lessons were learned. And—typical of government—she produced a report. It's hilarious. And its conclusion is quite touching: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
I’m Not From the Government but I’m Here to Help
The Trump administration is trying to eliminate federal services? Fine. I’ll do everything myself.
www.theatlantic.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:19 PM
Alexandra Petri tried to be her own government last year.
Mistakes were made. Lessons were learned. And—typical of government—she produced a report. It's hilarious. And its conclusion is quite touching: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Mistakes were made. Lessons were learned. And—typical of government—she produced a report. It's hilarious. And its conclusion is quite touching: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Reposted by Mr. Dan Zak
Last week, we published a story detailing ICE's strategy for recruiting new officers, including targeting "gun rights" supporters and geo-fencing ads around gun shows.
Ex-ICE director told me: “That mentality you’re fostering tends to inculcate in people a certain aggressiveness"
wapo.st/3Ngmo9C
Ex-ICE director told me: “That mentality you’re fostering tends to inculcate in people a certain aggressiveness"
wapo.st/3Ngmo9C
January 7, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Last week, we published a story detailing ICE's strategy for recruiting new officers, including targeting "gun rights" supporters and geo-fencing ads around gun shows.
Ex-ICE director told me: “That mentality you’re fostering tends to inculcate in people a certain aggressiveness"
wapo.st/3Ngmo9C
Ex-ICE director told me: “That mentality you’re fostering tends to inculcate in people a certain aggressiveness"
wapo.st/3Ngmo9C
Vague "Marty Supreme" spoiler ahead.
At the very end, the nurse says to Marty: "Did you say No. 4?"
The line is nearly drowned out by Tears for Fears, but it's there. I saw the movie a 2nd time, with closed captions, and the subtitle spells it out.
Is the nurse showing Marty the wrong baby?
At the very end, the nurse says to Marty: "Did you say No. 4?"
The line is nearly drowned out by Tears for Fears, but it's there. I saw the movie a 2nd time, with closed captions, and the subtitle spells it out.
Is the nurse showing Marty the wrong baby?
January 6, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Vague "Marty Supreme" spoiler ahead.
At the very end, the nurse says to Marty: "Did you say No. 4?"
The line is nearly drowned out by Tears for Fears, but it's there. I saw the movie a 2nd time, with closed captions, and the subtitle spells it out.
Is the nurse showing Marty the wrong baby?
At the very end, the nurse says to Marty: "Did you say No. 4?"
The line is nearly drowned out by Tears for Fears, but it's there. I saw the movie a 2nd time, with closed captions, and the subtitle spells it out.
Is the nurse showing Marty the wrong baby?
My deadline file from five years ago:
“It was Washington turned into the Roman Empire by way of Atlantic City: corrupted, bankrupted, prostituted by Trump for a self-mythologizing spectacle and a quick buck.” www.mrdanzak.com/jan6?utm_sou...
“It was Washington turned into the Roman Empire by way of Atlantic City: corrupted, bankrupted, prostituted by Trump for a self-mythologizing spectacle and a quick buck.” www.mrdanzak.com/jan6?utm_sou...
The insurrection — Mr. Dan Zak
It was a day of profound national humiliation, and it had been coming for a while.
www.mrdanzak.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:28 PM
My deadline file from five years ago:
“It was Washington turned into the Roman Empire by way of Atlantic City: corrupted, bankrupted, prostituted by Trump for a self-mythologizing spectacle and a quick buck.” www.mrdanzak.com/jan6?utm_sou...
“It was Washington turned into the Roman Empire by way of Atlantic City: corrupted, bankrupted, prostituted by Trump for a self-mythologizing spectacle and a quick buck.” www.mrdanzak.com/jan6?utm_sou...
“…even when weighed against this stunning record of degeneracy, the pardoning by Trump of his cop-beating foot soldiers represents the lowest moment of this presidency so far, because it was an act not only of naked despotism but also of outlandish hypocrisy.” www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
MAGA’s Foundational Lie
The movement claims to stand with the police. Trump’s decision to pardon the cop-beaters of January 6 exposed his movement for what it is.
www.theatlantic.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:11 PM
“…even when weighed against this stunning record of degeneracy, the pardoning by Trump of his cop-beating foot soldiers represents the lowest moment of this presidency so far, because it was an act not only of naked despotism but also of outlandish hypocrisy.” www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Reposted by Mr. Dan Zak
“…what would have happened if Mitch McConnell had shown similar courage. He might well have found the 10 extra votes needed to change American history. In the end, he did not even vote for conviction himself.
It will be the defining stain on Mr. McConnell’s legacy.” www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/o...
It will be the defining stain on Mr. McConnell’s legacy.” www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/o...
Opinion | 5 Years After Jan. 6, Lawlessness Has Triumphed
www.nytimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 12:50 PM
“…what would have happened if Mitch McConnell had shown similar courage. He might well have found the 10 extra votes needed to change American history. In the end, he did not even vote for conviction himself.
It will be the defining stain on Mr. McConnell’s legacy.” www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/o...
It will be the defining stain on Mr. McConnell’s legacy.” www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/o...
Reposted by Mr. Dan Zak
Copy Editing Matters, from HHS's release on the new childhood vaccine schedule: All the diseases will still be available to anyone who wants them
January 6, 2026 at 1:12 AM
Copy Editing Matters, from HHS's release on the new childhood vaccine schedule: All the diseases will still be available to anyone who wants them
A year in, “the administration has yet to nominate an assistant secretary of state to handle the Western Hemisphere.” www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. plan to ‘run’ Venezuela clouded in confusion
In Washington and Caracas, the vision for administering Venezuela in the weeks and months ahead appears uncertain and stubbornly complex.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:05 PM
A year in, “the administration has yet to nominate an assistant secretary of state to handle the Western Hemisphere.” www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
I saw “Marty Supreme” a second time, but with subtitles. And the final moments of the movie are completely different because of it.
Does anyone know what I’m talking about?
Does anyone know what I’m talking about?
January 4, 2026 at 11:16 PM
I saw “Marty Supreme” a second time, but with subtitles. And the final moments of the movie are completely different because of it.
Does anyone know what I’m talking about?
Does anyone know what I’m talking about?
“Justice in the American system is supposed to be blind and impartial. By contrast, Bondi’s vow of wrathful punishment is profoundly illiberal, suggesting a lust for criminal vengeance.” www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
What Role Does ‘Wrath’ Play in American Justice?
Attorney General Pam Bondi transgresses basic principles of criminal law.
www.theatlantic.com
January 4, 2026 at 2:28 PM
“Justice in the American system is supposed to be blind and impartial. By contrast, Bondi’s vow of wrathful punishment is profoundly illiberal, suggesting a lust for criminal vengeance.” www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...
Reposted by Mr. Dan Zak
During Fiona Hill's testimony to Congress on Oct 14, 2019, she described how Trump and Putin discussed exchanging Ukraine for Venezuela. The quid pro quo was if Trump refuses to help Ukraine fight off a Russian invasion, Putin would not help Venezuela (a Russian ally) resist a US takeover.
January 4, 2026 at 2:36 AM
During Fiona Hill's testimony to Congress on Oct 14, 2019, she described how Trump and Putin discussed exchanging Ukraine for Venezuela. The quid pro quo was if Trump refuses to help Ukraine fight off a Russian invasion, Putin would not help Venezuela (a Russian ally) resist a US takeover.
Trump on the phone with Fox & Friends right now: “I watched it literally like I was watching a television show.”
January 3, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Trump on the phone with Fox & Friends right now: “I watched it literally like I was watching a television show.”
Reposted by Mr. Dan Zak
I published more than 125 stories this year, if my count is correct, and I'd like to close things out by sharing a small handful that I especially enjoyed, in no particular order—two each from my brilliant staff writers, plus four DOGE stories that feel important to this day.
December 31, 2025 at 9:31 PM
I published more than 125 stories this year, if my count is correct, and I'd like to close things out by sharing a small handful that I especially enjoyed, in no particular order—two each from my brilliant staff writers, plus four DOGE stories that feel important to this day.
"One day, a woman wrote to me on Signal, asking me not to respond. She lived alone, she messaged, and planned to die that weekend. Before she did, she wanted at least one person to understand: Trump had unraveled the government, and with it, her life." www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
I am The Post’s ‘federal government whisperer.’ It’s been brutal.
One reporter’s effort to show how Trump was transforming government brought her 1,168 new sources — and nearly broke her.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 24, 2025 at 6:15 PM
"One day, a woman wrote to me on Signal, asking me not to respond. She lived alone, she messaged, and planned to die that weekend. Before she did, she wanted at least one person to understand: Trump had unraveled the government, and with it, her life." www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
“It’s like you’re sitting inside the four walls of your home, and someone is victimizing your child in the next room. And then you find out — it’s nobody?”
A majority of teens are interacting with AI companions, and many of their parents have no idea: www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/20...
A majority of teens are interacting with AI companions, and many of their parents have no idea: www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/20...
Her daughter was unraveling, and she didn’t know why. Then she found the AI chat logs.
A majority of teens are interacting with AI companions, and many of their parents have no idea.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 23, 2025 at 6:05 PM
“It’s like you’re sitting inside the four walls of your home, and someone is victimizing your child in the next room. And then you find out — it’s nobody?”
A majority of teens are interacting with AI companions, and many of their parents have no idea: www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/20...
A majority of teens are interacting with AI companions, and many of their parents have no idea: www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/20...
Reposted by Mr. Dan Zak
HUGE NEWS from the new Epstein files:
Records show that Maria Farmer, who worked for Epstein, filed a "child pornography" report to the FBI in 1996.
The FBI has never before acknowledged that complaint. The case went nowhere, and mass abuse followed.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/u...
Records show that Maria Farmer, who worked for Epstein, filed a "child pornography" report to the FBI in 1996.
The FBI has never before acknowledged that complaint. The case went nowhere, and mass abuse followed.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/u...
Epstein Files Include 1996 Child Porn Complaint That F.B.I. Ignored
www.nytimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 12:07 AM
HUGE NEWS from the new Epstein files:
Records show that Maria Farmer, who worked for Epstein, filed a "child pornography" report to the FBI in 1996.
The FBI has never before acknowledged that complaint. The case went nowhere, and mass abuse followed.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/u...
Records show that Maria Farmer, who worked for Epstein, filed a "child pornography" report to the FBI in 1996.
The FBI has never before acknowledged that complaint. The case went nowhere, and mass abuse followed.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/u...