Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post, spoke on Wednesday about President Trump’s impact and his business decisions. In a CNBC interview, Bezos noted Trump’s evolution in his second term, describing him as “more mature, more disciplined.” He also defended recent changes at The Post.
Bezos praised certain aspects of Trump’s presidency, acknowledging his constructive ideas. This interview with journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” highlighted areas where Bezos believes Trump deserves recognition.
Bezos faced criticism for alleged attempts to gain favor with the Trump administration, especially following initial conflicts. He was present at Trump’s inauguration, and Amazon invested in a documentary about Melania Trump, amplifying public speculation about his intentions.
Critics of The Washington Post’s recent strategies have pointed to actions that seem aligned with Trump’s interests. Bezos had ceased the publication’s presidential endorsements shortly before the 2024 election despite a prepared endorsement for Kamala Harris. Additionally, he redirected the opinion section to focus solely on “personal liberties and free markets,” leading to a significant number of subscription cancellations over 18 months.
Bezos affirmed his commitment to collaboration with all presidents, emphasizing a broader alignment with “America’s side.” In response to questions about his involvement in the documentary on Mrs. Trump, Bezos clarified that he played no part in the deal, dismissing suggestions that it was meant to influence political favor.