Internet Roasts Jeff Bezos For Washington Post Opinion Section Demands: 'You Are Basically Self-Censoring'

Jeff Bezos, The Washington Post's billionaire owner, recieved harsh criticism from social media users after taking to online platforms to announce that the publication will only publish certain types of pieces in its opinion section.

"This is a sad day for journalism. You are basically self-censoring. Instead of fighting for freedom of speech and standing for our rights - you are giving them all a free pass. Do more, Bezos," said one user in a comment directed at Bezos.

Bezos took to X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday to announce the changes made in The Washington Post's operations, specifically within the outlet's opinion section.

"We are going to be writing every day in support and defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets. We'll cover other topics too of course, but viewpoints opposing those pillars will be left to be published by others," Bezos wrote in his post.

The Amazon founder continued to explain his belief that the Post's opinion section did not necessarily need to showcase a variety of opinions as the internet is now able to accomplish that goal instead, allowing the publication to be more selective with opinions they publish.

"I am of America and for America, and proud to be so. Our country did not get here by being typical. And a big part of America's success has been freedom in the economic realm and everywhere else. Freedom is ethical — it minimizes coercion — and practical — it drives creativity, invention, and prosperity," he added.

Social media users quickly took to the replies of his post in order to express their disappointment with Bezos's decision.

"Sorry, Jeff, after decades of being a subscriber, I cancelled my subscription. You picked a side, and it was the wrong one," wrote one disappointed user, whose comment amassed over 7,500 likes.

"I share this note to Jeff Bezos this afternoon: I'm writing to let you know about a change coming to my online purchasing habits. I will not be purchasing stuff on Amazon anymore. I am done supporting oligarchs that are interfering with the free press," said another.

"Major Fascist alert," wrote another user.

"Terrible. You should be ashamed," said a fourth.

Staff from other sections of The Washington Post also weighed in on the decision. White House economics reporter Jeff Stein criticized Bezos's decision, referring to it as an "encroachment".

"Massive encroachment by Jeff Bezos into The Washington Post's opinion section today - makes clear dissenting views will not be published or tolerated there," Stein wrote on X.

"I still have not felt encroachment on my journalism on the news side of coverage, but if Bezos tries interfering with the news side I will be quitting immediately and letting you know," he continued.

The Post's Opinion Editor, David Shipley, resigned from his position as a result of the changes being made to the section he oversaw. Shipley, who assumed the role in 2022, sent out an email thanking his colleagues and announcing his resignation.

"I will always be thankful for the opportunity I was given to work alongside a team of opinion journalists whose commitment to strong, innovative, reported commentary inspired me every day — and was affirmed by two Pulitzer Prizes and two Loeb Awards in two short years," Shipley wrote in the email obtained by CNN.