Jeff Bezos’ announcement of a “significant” editorial shift at The Washington Post has sparked backlash among current and former employees, with several staffers resigning in protest. The Amazon founder, who purchased the paper in 2013 for $250 million, declared Wednesday that the opinion section would now focus on pro-American policies, including free markets and personal liberties.
The change was met with resistance, particularly from those who saw it as a betrayal of the paper’s traditionally liberal stance. Top opinion editor David Shipley resigned, declining Bezos’ offer to lead the revamped section. Former executive editor Marty Baron accused Bezos of undermining The Post’s long-standing principles, claiming he was “cravenly yielding to a president who shows no respect for liberty.”
Bezos previously made headlines when he blocked The Post from endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and later attended President Trump’s inauguration. His latest move further deepened tensions within the newsroom.
Several Post staffers, including Amanda Katz, have quit in response. Katz called the change “an absolute abandonment of the principles of accountability of the powerful, justice, democracy, human rights, and accurate information.” Reporter Jeff Stein also voiced concerns on social media, calling the shift a “massive encroachment” and warning that if Bezos interfered with the news side, he would resign.
Bezos defended his decision, stating that free markets and personal liberties have been essential to America’s success. “I also believe these viewpoints are underserved in the current market of ideas and news opinion. I’m excited for us together to fill that void,” he wrote.
Despite the backlash, Bezos remains committed to reshaping the Post’s opinion section, signaling a major ideological shift in one of America’s most influential newspapers.
