Daniel Dale is a prominent Canadian journalist renowned for his rigorous fact-checking and adversarial journalism, particularly during the tumultuous political landscape of the United States under President Donald Trump. His career began at the Toronto Star in 2008, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dedicated reporter covering Toronto City Hall. His investigative work during this time, especially regarding Mayor Rob Ford, laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in political journalism.
In 2015, Dale transitioned to the role of Washington Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star, where he reported on significant events such as the heroin crisis and the Flint water crisis, as well as the 2016 presidential campaign. His commitment to uncovering the truth led him to compile lists of false claims made by Trump, which he shared on social media, gaining recognition for his efforts to hold politicians accountable.
In June 2019, Dale joined CNN as a full-time fact-checker, where he continued his mission of transparency and truth in journalism. His work during the 2020 presidential election cycle was pivotal, as he fact-checked both Trump and his opponent Joe Biden, ensuring that viewers received accurate information amidst a sea of misinformation. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Norman Webster Award for International Reporting in 2019.
Dale’s influence extends beyond his reporting; he has been acknowledged as one of the “Breakout Media Stars” of the 2016 election by Politico and has been featured in Rolling Stone’s “Hot List.” His dedication to factual reporting and accountability has solidified his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary journalism, making him an essential figure in the fight for truth in media.