Donald Trump has taken another swipe at The Washington Post, this time accusing its owner, billionaire Jeff Bezos, of being upset with the paper’s employees. Trump accused Bezos of describing his workers as “crazy people” who are “out of control,” allegedly because of their editorial position and reporting decisions.
This accusation has set off a new round of speculation regarding Bezos’s relationship with The Washington Post and the extent of his engagement with its editorial choices. It also highlights the lingering animosity between Trump and mainstream media sources, especially those he feels are opposed to him. But just how true is Trump’s charge? And what does it say about internal strife at The Washington Post and changing media dynamics?
Trump’s Charge: What Did He Claim?
In a recent interview, Trump said that Jeff Bezos had complained to him in private about The Washington Post and the path it has pursued under his control. Bezos, according to Trump, grieved about monetary losses and the combative editorial approach of the newspaper’s workers.
“They’re out of control,” Trump claimed Bezos had told him. “The folks who work for The Washington Post are crazy.”
Trump further intimated that Bezos was contemplating making sweeping changes to the newspaper, such as modifying its editorial focus to be less negative towards him and his administration.
These remarks are especially surprising considering the history of hostility between Trump and Bezos. During his presidency, Trump regularly attacked The Washington Post, labeling it “fake news” and accusing it of disseminating misinformation to destabilize his administration. He also publicly attacked Bezos, frequently calling him “Jeff Bozo” and denouncing Amazon’s business practices.
Jeff Bezos and His Relationship with The Washington Post
Jeff Bezos, the owner of Amazon and one of the richest people in the world, bought The Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million. Since he took over, the newspaper has grown its online presence and substantially boosted its subscriber base. Yet, even though he is the owner, Bezos has maintained that he does not meddle with the editorial content of the newspaper.
In an interview in 2016, Bezos stated, “My leadership style at The Washington Post is the same as it is at Amazon—I set high standards, and then I get out of the way and let the team do their job.” He stated that the editorial freedom of the newspaper is important and that he has no plans to meddle with its journalism.
Still, more recent accounts indicate that Bezos has been more directly involved in guiding the direction of the paper. In early 2025, it was reported that Bezos was part of talks regarding the redesigning of the newspaper’s opinion section to include a greater diversity of viewpoints, including conservative voices. This was reportedly an effort to stem criticism that The Washington Post was left-leaning and out of touch with much of its readership.
Financial Distress and Internal Unhappiness
Although The Washington Post has expanded its online readership, it has not been spared the financial woes affecting the media sector. In 2023, the paper was said to have suffered substantial revenue declines, prompting layoffs and restructuring. Some insiders have indicated that Bezos has been irked by the unprofitability and the paper’s dependence on digital subscriptions as its main source of revenue.
Moreover, indications of internal wrangling have emerged, with certain employees complaining about recent editorial decisions. Some reporters are said to feel that Bezos’s presence is eroding the newsroom’s autonomy, while others perceive that reforms need to be introduced to keep pace with the changing media environment.
Reactions to Trump’s Comments
Not surprisingly, Trump’s statement has received a mixed response. The former president’s supporters view this as additional evidence that mainstream media outlets are losing their credibility and are beset by internal conflicts. They contend that The Washington Post has put ideological agendas ahead of objective reporting, damaging its reputation.
However, others dismiss Trump’s assertions as an effort to spread discord and discrediting the media. Several note that there is no actual evidence for the claim that Bezos referred to The Washington Post employees as “crazy” or that he is significantly frustrated with the paper’s trajectory.
Media observers also mention that it is not surprising that owners of newspapers have complaints regarding their companies, particularly during a time when print media is in trouble. Yet, frustration with money problems does not automatically equate with unhappiness with editorial offerings.
What This Means for the Future of The Washington Post
Whether or not Trump’s claims are accurate, they highlight broader issues facing The Washington Post and other major newspapers. The media industry is undergoing significant transformations, and traditional publications are grappling with the challenges of adapting to a digital-first world.
If Bezos is actually thinking of altering the newspaper, it might mean a change in The Washington Post’s direction. Shifting towards greater ideological balance in its opinion section might allow the newspaper to broaden its readership and address accusations of bias. But any dramatic editorial shifts might also incite opposition from journalists and readers who appreciate The Washington Post’s current position.
Additionally, financial sustainability remains a pressing concern. As advertising revenue declines and competition from independent digital outlets grows, newspapers must find innovative ways to remain profitable without compromising journalistic integrity.
Trump, Bezos, and the Media: A Complicated Relationship
Trump has long had an adversarial relationship with The Washington Post, but his comments about Bezos reflect a possible new dynamic. If Bezos really is exasperated with the newspaper’s employees, it might be a signal that he is more willing to make changes aligned with a more diverse set of viewpoints, including those preferred by conservatives.
Then again, it could be that Trump’s remarks are hyperbolic or completely made up. During his political life, Trump has made sweeping allegations about his opponents and the press, sometimes with little evidence.
For Bezos, walking the tightrope of The Washington Post’s future will mean finding a balance between business concerns and editorial freedom. If he becomes too intrusive, he may compromise the credibility of the paper. If he keeps too much distance, financial difficulties and in-house squabbles might snowball.
Conclusion
Trump’s claim that Jeff Bezos is angry with The Washington Post employees is another twist in the long-standing feud between the former president, the media, and billionaire-owned newspapers. Although there is no evidence that Bezos has used the term “crazy people” or is currently looking to transform the newspaper, there are genuine debates at The Washington Post regarding its financial future and editorial direction.
The media world is changing dramatically, and the likes of The Washington Post need to keep updating themselves to remain relevant and viable. Whether Bezos will get more involved in remaking the newspaper is anyone’s guess, but one thing is for sure—the nexus of politics, ownership of the media, and press integrity will continue to be an intensely argued point for years to come.
