Jeff Bezos’ Influence on Washington Post’s Presidential Endorsement Sparks Controversy

The Washington Post, owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, has sparked controversy by not endorsing any presidential candidate for the first time since 1988. This decision comes just days before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, where Vice President Kamala Harris is facing off against former President Donald Trump.

Insiders at the Washington Post suggest that Bezos may be the reason behind the newspaper’s silence on endorsements. There is speculation that Bezos is avoiding alienating Trump, who is gaining traction in his bid to reclaim the presidency. This hesitation is particularly notable given the Post’s history of supporting Democratic candidates such as Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.

The editorial board of the Washington Post has reportedly drafted an endorsement for Kamala Harris, but it has yet to receive approval from Bezos and the newspaper’s publisher, Will Lewis. This delay has left many staff members baffled, especially with millions of voters having already cast their ballots and Election Day looming.

The situation highlights the complex dynamics between media ownership and political endorsements. Other media outlets and influential figures have already made their endorsements, while some wealthy businesspeople, like Elon Musk, have openly supported Trump. In contrast, Kamala Harris has received support from several billionaires, including Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg.