The Erosion of Independence: Jeff Bezos and The Washington Post
When Jeff Bezos purchased The Washington Post nearly 12 years ago, he went to great lengths to reassure the public that he would not transform the esteemed newspaper into a personal mouthpiece. He emphasized that the paper’s commitment to its readers and journalistic integrity would remain paramount, untouched by his personal or business interests. For much of his ownership, Bezos upheld this promise, allowing the editorial team to operate independently. However, this commitment appears to have crumbled recently. In a statement on X, Bezos announced a significant overhaul of the Post’s opinion section, explicitly aligning it with two core ideologies: personal liberties and free markets. He declared that viewpoints opposing these pillars would no longer be published by the paper. This decision led to the resignation of the Post’s opinion editor, David Shipley, marking the second time in six months that Bezos has directly intervened in the paper’s editorial processes. The move has sparked widespread concern that Bezos is compromising the Post’s independence and aligning it with his own political and business agendas.
Bezos’s recent actions have not gone without scrutiny. Critics argue that his intervention is a capitulation to broader political forces, particularly those aligned with the current administration. Marty Baron, the Post’s former editor in chief, suggested that Bezos is acting out of fear for the implications of his other business ventures. This sentiment was echoed by many when Bezos shut down the paper’s presidential-endorsement process in October, a decision that led to resignations from editorial-board members and a significant loss of subscribers. Bezos’s actions have raised questions about the future of the Post and whether it will continue to serve as a bastion of independent journalism or become a tool for advancing his personal and political interests.
The Great Emboldening: A New Era of Power and Control
Bezos’s actions are not occurring in a vacuum. They are part of a broader trend among tech and political elites who are increasingly willing to disregard societal norms and assert control over institutions. This phenomenon, referred to as “The Great Emboldening,” has been gaining momentum over the past year. Powerful individuals like Bezos, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump are unapologetically reshaping institutions to serve their own interests. Musk, for instance, has been accused of gutting the federal government through his DOGE initiative, while Bezos is redefining the Post’s editorial direction. This dynamic reflects a shift in the way power is exercised in modern America, where shamelessness and disregard for institutional norms have become tools for consolidating influence.
The Trump Effect: A Playbook for Shamelessness and Power
This trend has its roots in the first Trump administration, which demonstrated the effectiveness of shamelessness as a political strategy. Trump’s rise to power was marked by a willingness to distort truth, generate outrage, and defy accountability. His ability to spin scandals and lies into attacks from perceived enemies set a new precedent for political and corporate leaders. Trump’s playbook, which included co-opting the term “fake news” to discredit the media, has inspired a generation of politicians and executives who now feel emboldened to act with similar disregard for norms. Musk, in particular, has embraced this approach, operating with contempt for institutions and the law. His actions, like those of Trump, have shown that unapologetic and brazen behavior can be a powerful tool for consolidating power and silencing critics.
The Fallout: A Shift in Media and Politics
The impact of this shift is evident in the media landscape. At the Los Angeles Times, billionaire owner Patrick Soon-Shiong has similarly taken steps to shift the paper’s ideology, hiring right-wing columnists and experimenting with a “bias meter” to measure opinion pieces. These changes reflect a broader movement to reshape media and political institutions in the image of their owners. For some, this shift has emboldened far-right influencers, who now feel free to offend without consequences. For others, it has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and the role of the media in holding power to account.
The Future of Power and the Role of Institutions
The implications of these changes are profound. Bezos’s decision to align the Post’s opinion section with his personal ideologies marks a significant departure from the paper’s tradition of independence. It also reflects a broader trend of institutional capture, where powerful individuals are reshaping media and government to serve their interests. As these leaders continue to challenge norms and assert control, the future of democratic institutions hangs in the balance. The question remains: will these institutions survive as independent entities, or will they become tools for the powerful? The answer will depend on whether there is a reckoning with the forces driving this Great Emboldening and a renewed commitment to protecting the independence of these institutions.
In conclusion, Jeff Bezos’s recent actions at The Washington Post are part of a larger trend of powerful individuals asserting control over institutions to advance their interests. This shift reflects a broader cultural and political movement, inspired in part by the Trump era, where shamelessness and disregard for norms have become tools for consolidating power. The fallout from this trend poses significant challenges for media, politics, and democracy as a whole. As these dynamics continue to unfold, it will be crucial to examine the implications for the future of independent journalism and the role of institutions in a democratic society.