The publication is making major changes to its opinion section, and the move has already sparked controversy among readers and staff

Jeff Bezos, owner of the Washington Post, speaks during the New York Times annual DealBook summit, New York City, December 4, 2024. © Getty Images / Michael M. Santiago

The Washington Post is revamping its opinion section to focus on American values, with an emphasis on “personal liberties” and “free markets,” the newspaper’s owner, Jeff Bezos, announced in an email to staff on Wednesday. The move has led to the resignation of opinion editor David Shipley and sparked debate among journalists and readers.

As part of the overhaul, the newspaper will publish daily op-eds supporting the two core pillars outlined by Bezos, while viewpoints opposing them “will be left to be published by others,” he stated.

“I’m confident that free markets and personal liberties are right for America. I also believe these viewpoints are underserved in the current market of ideas and news opinion,” Bezos wrote, adding that traditional opinion sections have become outdated and have lost readership to digital platforms.

He added that the content will now be based on the American principle of “freedom,” which he described as “ethical” and “minimizing coercion.”

 

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Bezos said he offered Shipley the opportunity to “lead this new chapter,” but the editor declined. In an internal email seen by CNN, Shipley explained that his departure came “after reflection on how I can best move forward in the profession I love.”

A number of employees have publicly criticized the changes, including chief economics reporter Jeff Stein, who called the shift a “massive encroachment” and warned that he would quit if Bezos tries to “interfere with the news side.” Philip Bump, a columnist, reacted on Bluesky, writing: “What the actual f**k!”

Billionaire Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX and close adviser to US President Donald Trump, praised the move in a post on X: “Bravo, @JeffBezos!”

Musk’s endorsement triggered debate online, with some arguing that Bezos’ emphasis on ‘freedom’ is an admission that the newspaper has up till now been “out of alignment with good ethics.” Others suggested that the shift is an attempt to align the editorial stance with Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda.

Washington Post executives have downplayed concerns about political bias. In a staff memo obtained by CNN, CEO Will Lewis insisted that the change “is not about siding with any political party,” but rather “being crystal clear about what we stand for as a newspaper.”

Executive editor Matt Murray also sought to reassure staff, saying the newspaper’s independent newsroom “remains unchanged” and that Bezos’ policy shift only affects the opinion section.

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Bezos’ decision comes at a turbulent time for the Washington Post, which has faced internal challenges and backlash from readers. It recently abandoned its long-standing tradition of endorsing candidates in US presidential elections, prompting three members of its ten-person editorial board to resign. The policy change also reportedly led to more than 250,000 digital subscribers – over 10% of its paying readership – canceling their subscriptions.