Jeff Bezos defends decision to end presidential endorsements at Washington Post

Jeff Bezos defends ending presidential endorsements at The Washington Post, expresses hope for Trump's presidency.


Pop Culture & Art December 05, 2024
Bezos, who owns nearly 9% of Amazon, has seen the value of his shares jump more than 40% this year. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG

Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos reaffirmed his decision to end the practice of endorsing presidential candidates, calling it the "right decision" during a conversation at The New York Times Dealbook Summit. Addressing the media's trust issues, Bezos stated that the move, although controversial, was necessary for the integrity of The Washington Post. He acknowledged that the decision could hurt the paper's business, but emphasized the importance of avoiding perceptions of bias.

Since acquiring the newspaper in 2013 for $250 million, Bezos has worked to turn around the Post’s fortunes. Despite some successes, it continues to face stiff competition from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Bezos, who admitted his ownership could create potential conflicts of interest, confirmed his commitment to ensuring the paper’s financial stability.

In addition to discussing his vision for the future of The Washington Post, Bezos shared his optimism regarding a potential second Trump term. He praised Trump's regulatory agenda and expressed his intention to help reduce regulations, which he believes could drive economic growth and address issues like the national debt.

Despite competition from rivals such as Elon Musk, Bezos remains upbeat about the future of space exploration, AI, and technological advancements. Reflecting on the current era, he remarked, “We are in multiple golden ages at once,” underscoring his belief in the exciting potential of the future.

 

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