Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, recently defended the paper’s decision to withhold endorsing a presidential candidate in the current election, calling it a “principled” choice. Addressing public speculation, Bezos refuted claims that the decision was motivated by his business interests. The announcement, made by Post publisher Will Lewis, emphasized that readers should form their own opinions without editorial influence. This decision reportedly spurred tens of thousands of subscription cancellations and dissatisfaction among long-standing journalists at the publication.
In a message published Monday, Bezos noted that endorsements risk creating a perception of bias, especially during a period of public distrust in the media. He expressed his view that ceasing endorsements is in line with journalistic integrity, though he admitted that the timing—so close to the election—was less than ideal. This change prompted backlash within and outside the industry, with many suggesting it may harm the paper’s reputation.
Following the announcement, a substantial number of subscribers reportedly canceled, as noted by NPR. This drop, if accurate, would have a significant financial impact on the publication. Some prominent figures within The Post, including columnists and editorial board members, have since resigned in protest. Former Post editor Martin Baron criticized the decision as “cowardice,” arguing it undermines the paper’s role in supporting democracy. Similar reactions followed a similar move by the Los Angeles Times, which also faced subscription losses after deciding to withhold an endorsement.
Critics speculated that Bezos, also Amazon’s founder, might have avoided an endorsement to sidestep potential conflicts with a new administration, especially if former President Donald Trump were reelected. In previous elections, The Post endorsed Trump’s Democratic opponents, which had sparked Trump’s repeated criticisms of the paper. In response, Bezos maintained that he has never used his influence at The Post for personal gain, challenging readers to find any instance of him intervening in the editorial direction since he acquired the paper in 2013.
Addressing additional scrutiny, Bezos acknowledged that a recent meeting between Trump and a Blue Origin executive, which coincided with the non-endorsement announcement, could fuel further speculation. However, he emphasized that he had no prior knowledge of the meeting. Bezos also reiterated his commitment to The Post’s future, ensuring readers that he would not let the paper “fade into irrelevance.” He praised the dedication of The Post’s journalists, underscoring their commitment to truth and the importance of maintaining public trust in their work.
