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In a rare op-ed published by The Washington Post, owner Jeff Bezos defended his recent decision to end the newspaper's long-standing practice of endorsing presidential candidates. The move has caused an uproar, with high-profile resignations, widespread criticism from the editorial board, and cancellations by subscribers. Bezos explained that the decision to forgo endorsements aims to maintain journalistic independence, stating that presidential endorsements create "a perception of bias" that he wants to avoid.
Bezos's defense follows significant backlash, with critics, including former executive editor Marty Baron, accusing the decision of being a ploy to appease former President Donald Trump. Bezos denied any such intent, citing that no presidential candidate or campaign was consulted, and describing the decision as "a principled one." He also dismissed speculation about a quid pro quo after a recent meeting between Trump and executives from Blue Origin, Bezos's space company, as entirely coincidental.
The decision has led to notable resignations, including Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Hoffman, who publicly criticized the editorial silence as a troubling omission. Bezos acknowledged the appearance of conflict but underscored his commitment to the newspaper's independence and relevance. Despite the turmoil, Bezos asserted his commitment to preserving The Washington Post's legacy, vowing to steer the paper through challenging times without compromising its editorial principles.
