The comedian, actor, and former podcaster discusses his decision to bring “WTF” to a close after 16 years and interviewing its final guest, Barack Obama.

© Chantal Anderson for The New York Times

An organization that fought abortion rights in the United States is now an unlikely conduit between MAGA Republicans and Britain’s ascendant Reform U.K. party.

© Mary Turner for The New York Times

A principle is hollow if it’s not defended under pressure.

© Jasmine Clarke for The New York Times

A principle is hollow if it’s not defended under pressure.

The government should not use public funds to support a system that fails to serve the public good.

It belongs to us. And we can use it to rescue our democracy.

A pivotal term beckons.

After all, there is “an enemy within.”

Getting past the urge to reduce all politics to existential conflict.

Readers respond to a column by Bret Stephens pointing out examples.

There seems to be no limit to the president’s odious attempts to control higher education.

Conservative censors have been busy for decades.

In China, journalism and public debate were opening up, and then a leader took over and used a series of steps to dictate speech.

The TikTok deal is Trumpism 101.

The tactics President Trump has embraced place the United States in awkward company as freedom of expression is declining in dozens of countries.

The tactics President Trump has embraced place the United States in awkward company as freedom of expression is declining in dozens of countries.

The media tycoon, jailed since 2020, ran a now-defunct newspaper that was critical of the government.

As the outspoken Hong Kong publisher awaits a verdict, his trial has become a test of China’s resolve to crush dissent, and of whether President Trump can free him.

With pro-democracy movements long squashed, the government is targeting any hint of subtler expressions of discontent. Even establishment figures say it may be too much.