Jeff Bezos, owner of the Washington Post and Blue Origin, has faced significant criticism after his aerospace company executives met with Donald Trump, just hours after the Post decided not to endorse Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This non-endorsement came despite the Post’s previous plan to back Harris. The decision, reportedly influenced by Bezos, has sparked backlash from within the newspaper and from prominent figures such as Robert Kagan, Stephen King, and Liz Cheney. Many view the move as a threat to democratic values, raising concerns about media influence and the growing power of billionaires in shaping public discourse.
Jeff Bezos, the billionaire owner of the Washington Post, has come under fire after a series of events involving his company, Blue Origin, and former President Donald Trump. The controversy arose when the Washington Post chose not to endorse a candidate in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, and Blue Origin executives met with Trump on the same day. This situation has sparked backlash from within the Post and among its readers.
Key Events
Blue Origin Executives Meet Trump: Executives from Bezos' space company, Blue Origin, briefly met with Donald Trump shortly after the Washington Post decided not to endorse Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Non-Endorsement of Kamala Harris: The Washington Post had initially planned to endorse Democratic candidate Kamala Harris but later chose not to publish the endorsement. This decision was reportedly influenced by Bezos himself, according to a report from the New York Times.
Meeting Details: The meeting between Trump and Blue Origin’s CEO David Limp and VP of Government Relations Megan Mitchell took place after a campaign event in Austin, Texas. This meeting came just hours after the Post's announcement about the non-endorsement.
Internal Criticism
Resignation of Robert Kagan: Washington Post editor-at-large Robert Kagan resigned following the events. He accused Bezos of making a deal with Trump, saying the meeting between Blue Origin executives and Trump wouldn’t have occurred if the Post had endorsed Harris.
Dissent Among Journalists: Eighteen opinion writers from the Post signed a column opposing the decision, calling it "a terrible mistake." Notable former employees, including journalists Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, also expressed disappointment.
Backlash from High-Profile Figures: Public figures like author Stephen King and former congresswoman Liz Cheney canceled their Post subscriptions in protest of the paper's decision not to endorse Harris.
Editorial and Public Reaction
Washington Post's History of Endorsements: The Post has historically endorsed candidates, including Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020. The sudden decision not to endorse Harris in 2024 surprised many, especially given Trump's controversial track record and authoritarian tendencies.
Artistic Protest: The Post's cartoon team created a dark image protesting the non-endorsement decision, playing on the paper’s slogan “Democracy Dies in Darkness,” which it adopted in 2017 after Bezos purchased the newspaper.
Broader Implications
Impact on Democracy: Critics argue that the decision reflects a dangerous trend of “anticipatory obedience,” as explained by historian Tim Snyder in his book On Tyranny. The concept refers to the act of yielding power to an aspiring authoritarian before they demand it. This concern is heightened by Trump's past authoritarian behavior.
Comparison with LA Times: The Washington Post is not alone in its decision. The owner of the Los Angeles Times also declined to endorse Harris, raising questions about the influence of billionaires on the media’s role in democracy.
Conclusion
Jeff Bezos' influence on the Washington Post and the controversial meeting between Blue Origin executives and Trump have triggered widespread criticism. The decision not to endorse a candidate in the 2024 election, particularly after planning to support Harris, has led to internal dissent and public outrage. Many see it as a troubling sign for both journalistic integrity and democratic values.
Sources:
- The New York Times
- The Associated Press
- CNN
- The Daily Beast
