Christina Hoff Sommers Questions Irish Times' Editorial Shift Amidst Broader Media Debates

American author and philosopher Christina Hoff Sommers has publicly questioned the editorial direction of The Irish Times, tweeting, "> What the hell happened to @IrishTimes ?". The concise social media post, published on September 15, 2025, suggests a perceived significant shift or concern regarding the Dublin-based daily newspaper's content or stance. Sommers' comment comes amidst broader debates about media objectivity and evolving social discourse.

Sommers, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, is widely known for her critiques of contemporary "gender feminism" and what she terms "victim feminism." She advocates for "classical liberal feminism," emphasizing individual rights and gender equality while often challenging narratives that she views as overly focused on identity politics or "woke" ideologies. Her work frequently addresses issues concerning boys and men, and she has been a vocal opponent of what she perceives as an overreach of political correctness in media and academia.

The Irish Times, a leading Irish newspaper founded in 1859, has recently focused its editorial attention on a range of social issues. Editorials from 2024 and 2025 have discussed Ireland's proposed Hate Speech Bill, which aims to broaden protected characteristics to include gender and sexual orientation, and have highlighted a "disturbing uptick" in racist attacks targeting ethnic minorities. The newspaper has stated its support for updated hate speech legislation, while also advocating for safeguards to protect freedom of expression.

The newspaper has also undergone significant internal changes, including a newsroom reorganization and a strategic shift towards digital platforms, which has contributed to an impressive subscription performance and a return to profit in 2024. Despite these business successes, and a Reuters Institute report noting high trust in The Irish Times among Irish audiences, its editorial positions on contentious social legislation and identity-related issues may be interpreted by critics like Sommers as aligning with the "gender feminism" narratives she frequently challenges.

While Sommers did not elaborate on her tweet, her past critiques suggest her concern likely stems from a perceived ideological alignment in The Irish Times' coverage. The newspaper's consistent editorial line on protecting vulnerable groups and updating legislation against hate speech reflects a broader societal conversation, which Sommers often scrutinizes from her distinct philosophical perspective.