Danielle Kurtzleben is a political correspondent for NPR’s Washington Desk, where she contributes to various NPR programs, writes for the web, and co-hosts The NPR Politics Podcast. She covers topics related to economic policy and gender politics.
Before joining NPR in 2015, Kurtzleben served as a correspondent for Vox.com, focusing on economics and business news.
She also worked at U.S. News & World Report, where she reported on politics and policy.
In March 2025, Kurtzleben became the subject of controversy when conservative commentator Laura Loomer identified her as the NPR reporter who accidentally struck President Donald Trump in the face with a boom microphone during a press interaction at Joint Base Andrews. This incident sparked discussions about her perceived political leanings and role as a White House correspondent.
Kurtzleben holds a degree from The George Washington University and is proficient in both English and Spanish.
She also authors a newsletter titled “This F**king Job,” where she discusses insights into journalism and gender politics.