What Happened to Jodi Kantor?

Jodi Kantor's distinguished career as an investigative journalist has consistently focused on uncovering hidden truths and influencing significant societal change. After graduating from Columbia University in 1996 and a brief stint at Harvard Law School, Kantor began her journalism career at Slate.com in 1998 before joining The New York Times in 2003, where she initially served as the Arts & Leisure editor. From 2007 to 2013, she gained prominence for her in-depth coverage of Barack and Michelle Obama, culminating in her bestselling 2012 book, "The Obamas," which chronicled their adjustment to the White House.

A pivotal moment in Kantor's career, and indeed in modern journalism, came in October 2017 when she and colleague Megan Twohey published their explosive investigation into decades of sexual abuse allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. This meticulous reporting, which involved navigating a web of secret payouts and non-disclosure agreements, convinced numerous women, including prominent actresses, to go on the record. The story's publication served as a catalyst for the global #MeToo movement, empowering countless victims to share their experiences and leading to a widespread reckoning regarding sexual harassment and abuse across various industries. For their groundbreaking work, Kantor and Twohey, along with a team of colleagues, were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 2018.

Following the impact of their initial reporting, Kantor and Twohey co-authored "She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement," published in 2019. This book offered an inside look at their investigation, detailing the challenges and breakthroughs in bringing the story to light. The book was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film, "She Said," released in 2022, further amplifying the story's reach and impact. Beyond the Weinstein investigation, Kantor's reporting has also driven significant workplace reforms, with her investigations into labor conditions at companies like Starbucks and Amazon leading to policy changes, including the introduction of paternity leave at Amazon and inspiring the creation of lactation suites for nursing mothers.

In recent years, Kantor has shifted her investigative focus to the U.S. Supreme Court, joining The New York Times' Washington bureau's Supreme Court team full-time in 2025. Her work in this area aims to illuminate the inner workings, power dynamics, and ethical standards of this often-secretive institution. Notably, in the spring of 2024, she broke news regarding provocative flags associated with efforts to overturn the 2020 election displayed at the home of Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., sparking public concern and renewed calls for ethical oversight.

As of April 2026, Jodi Kantor continues to be an active and influential voice. On April 23, 2026, she released her new book, "How to Start: Discovering Your Life's Work." This book, which originated from a commencement address at Columbia University, provides a strategic roadmap for young professionals navigating a volatile global labor market, addressing anxieties related to economic stability and artificial intelligence. She is also scheduled to deliver the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation Distinguished Leadership Lecture for Elon Law on May 6, 2026, where she will discuss her investigations and insights on leadership. Kantor's career exemplifies a commitment to rigorous investigative journalism, shaping public discourse, and inspiring new generations of truth-tellers.