Amazon founder and chairman Jeff Bezos congratulated former President Donald Trump on his re-election victory, praising it as an 'extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory.' Bezos expressed his well wishes for Trump in leading and uniting the nation, stating that 'no nation has bigger opportunities.' This statement from Bezos comes in the wake of his recent decision to withhold The Washington Post's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, citing concerns about bias perception.
Bezos acknowledged the complexities arising from his ownership of Amazon and Blue Origin, recognizing the potential conflicts of interest. The decision to veto the endorsement of Harris led to significant backlash, with a third of the paper's editorial board resigning and 250,000 readers canceling their subscriptions. Critics accused Bezos of 'anticipatory obedience,' questioning the editorial independence of The Washington Post.
Following the election, Amazon's stock experienced a positive surge, rising nearly 3% in trading on Wednesday morning. Bezos' public statement congratulating Trump on his victory reflects a notable shift in his public stance, emphasizing the importance of unity and leadership in the country.