AP digs deep to illustrate real-life impact of Trump policies

By Bianca Vázquez Toness, Sophie Park, Collin Binkley, Kimberly Kindy, Amanda Seitz, Sally Ho, Charlotte Kramon, Lindsey Wasson, Jon Cherry and Manuel Valdes

Following up on major policy shifts in education, healthcare and housing, the Associated Press dug deep to illustrate the ripple effects of the Trump administration’s decisions on everyday people.

In education, reporter Bianca Vázquez Toness focused on the withholding of more than $6 billion in federal funds, a move that threatened after-school programs relied upon by low-income families. With photographer Sophie Park, she spotlighted families at a Boys and Girls Club anxious about losing child care in the fall. The AP’s reporting added to public pressure that ultimately led the administration to release the after-school funding. Meanwhile, education reporter Collin Binkley surfaced little-noticed court filings showing the administration’s intent to dismantle the Education Department, and delays in addressing civil rights complaints from parents.

On healthcare, investigative reporter Kimberly Kindy revealed that the administration was providing immigration enforcement with access to sensitive Medicaid data, raising serious privacy and legal concerns. Federal health policy reporter Amanda Seitz decoded the policy’s fine print and its dangerous implications, particularly for immigrant communities.

On housing, reporters Sally Ho and Charlotte Kramon teamed up with photographers Lindsey Wasson and Jon Cherry and video journalist Manuel Valdes to report on a proposed housing policy that could strip 1.4 million of the country’s lowest-income renters of housing assistance. The team profiled two single mothers facing eviction, underscoring the human toll of the proposed shift. Top Stories editor Mary Sedor was pivotal in coordinating and packaging the reports.

The judges noted the quality of sourcing and the narrative clarity that put AP ahead of competitors in documenting how the administration’s policies are being felt on the ground.

For amplifying the voices of those affected, showing AP’s commitment to accountability and human-centered journalism, this team is this week’s Best of AP – First Winner.