The Washington Post is in turmoil just days before the presidential election, following the shocking announcement that the paper will not endorse a candidate, CNN reports.
This decision, seemingly driven by billionaire owner Jeff Bezos, has sparked outrage amongst staff, prompting resignations and public condemnations.
The Post’s decision to remain neutral, a break from its historical practice of endorsing candidates, came as a surprise to many, particularly considering the close proximity to the election. While the paper has officially claimed this decision reflects a commitment to journalistic independence, many believe it was influenced by Bezos’s business interests.
Former Post executive editor Marty Baron, who led the paper under Bezos during the first Trump administration, directly accused Bezos of “cowardice” and suggested the decision was made to appease Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened Bezos’s business ventures.
“Bezos has other commercial interests, a big stake and Amazon, he has a space company called Blue Origin,” Baron said. “Trump has threatened to pursue his political enemies and he rewards his friends and he punishes his perceived political – and think there’s no other explanation for what’s happening right now.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump met with Blue Origin executives on the same day the Post announced its non-endorsement. The company holds a $3.4 billion contract with the federal government.
While Post publisher Will Lewis has denied any involvement by Bezos in the decision, numerous staff members and former colleagues have expressed disbelief and dismay. Robert Kagan, a Post columnist and opinion editor-at-large, resigned in protest, calling the non-endorsement “an effort by Jeff Bezos to curry favor with Donald Trump.”
The timing of the announcement has particularly angered staff, with many fearing it will alienate readers and ultimately harm the paper’s ability to function.
