Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos recently justified the newspaper's decision to abstain from endorsing any presidential candidate in the 2024 election. Speaking at the DealBook Summit 2024, Bezos argued that such an endorsement would have been inconsequential to the election outcome. This decision sparked internal controversy, with some liberal staff members publicly criticizing the move, particularly given a reportedly drafted endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris. The fallout included staff resignations, subscriber cancellations, and a rare op-ed from Bezos defending what he called a "principled decision."

Bezos stated his belief that newspaper endorsements hold little sway over voters. He questioned the likelihood of any undecided voter changing their mind based on The Post's opinion. He also emphasized the current climate of declining public trust in traditional media, asserting that an endorsement could exacerbate perceptions of bias. Bezos prioritized rebuilding trust, suggesting that accuracy alone is insufficient if the public doubts it.

Despite facing strong criticism from figures like former Post executive editor Marty Baron and journalist David Remnick, Bezos remained firm in his conviction. He reiterated his pride in the decision, emphasizing its difficulty in the face of anticipated backlash. He dismissed the notion that the subsequent loss of subscribers invalidated their approach, reiterating the importance of prioritizing principle over public relations.

Addressing the incoming president's past criticisms of the media, Bezos expressed his intention to challenge the "enemy of the people" narrative. He voiced optimism about engaging in constructive dialogue with the president-elect, suggesting a joint effort to foster a more positive relationship between the administration and the press.