In a recent interview with OutKick’s Clay Travis, President Donald Trump expressed optimism about his relationship with Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos. Trump, who has had a contentious relationship with the media throughout his political career, said he had developed a more positive rapport with Bezos since his first term in office.
Trump discussed an interaction where Bezos had expressed frustration with the Washington Post’s coverage, particularly when the newspaper published unfavorable articles about him. “He said, ‘This is crazy, I lose my fortune running this thing and they [Post newsroom employees], you know, they’re out of control,'” Trump recalled. “These people are crazy. They’re crazy people. They’re out of control.”
Despite their differences, Trump described Bezos as “a good guy,” noting that their relationship had evolved since he re-entered the White House. “I didn’t really know him in the first term,” Trump said. “I mean, it’s such a difference between now and the first time.”
Trump’s remarks come amid significant changes at the Washington Post. Last month, Bezos announced that the newspaper would be altering the content of its opinion pages to focus more on supporting “personal liberties and free markets,” while leaving opposing viewpoints to be published elsewhere. Bezos explained the shift on X (formerly Twitter), stating that these pillars would serve as the foundation for the Post’s editorial section moving forward.
“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. I’m excited for us together to fill that void,” he wrote.
Bezos’ announcement was met with mixed reactions. Some praised his decision to provide more space for free-market perspectives, while others criticized the move, accusing him of stifling writers’ freedom of expression. This change came after Bezos blocked an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the 2024 election at the objection of many of his staff members.
Trump, however, welcomed the changes at the Post. He described them as a positive development, stating that he had discussed them with Bezos and that the billionaire is “really trying to be more fair.” Trump also acknowledged that Bezos, much like himself, has been the subject of critical media coverage.
Reflecting on his inauguration and the support he received from various figures, including Bezos, Trump noted the contrast between his first and second presidencies. “If you look at the inauguration, look at the people that were on that stage. Here was a who’s who of a world that was totally against me the first time,” Trump remarked. “It’s a much different presidency. I have much more support.”
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