Jeff Bezos expresses unusual optimism for the future

In the United States, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post, expressed his support for Donald Trump's regulatory agenda during an appearance at The New York Times' DealBook conference in New York. This event occurred in December 2024 as Trump was gearing up for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Bezos stated that he was 'very optimistic this time around' regarding Trump's plans to cut regulation across various sectors, indicating his belief in the potential benefits of such measures for the economy. He noted that Trump has shown significant growth since 2016, suggesting that Bezos sees an opportunity for collaboration between the business community and the political leadership to foster economic growth. The discussion also highlighted the ongoing tensions between Trump and the press, specifically mentioning The Washington Post. Bezos acknowledged the difficult relationship Trump has with journalists and media outlets, indicating that he aims to foster a better understanding between Trump and the press. He emphasized his stance that the media is not the enemy, which diverges from Trump's often-hostile rhetoric towards journalists. Bezos dismissed concerns about how his ownership of The Post might influence its editorial decisions, defining himself as a 'doting parent' of the publication. Despite stepping into a controversial spotlight, Bezos defended his decision to withhold endorsement from Kamala Harris in the context of the election cycle, describing it as a necessary choice despite facing considerable backlash. He remarked that the decision led to a loss of over 10 percent of The Post's subscriber base but affirmed it was the right thing to do, arguing that a publication must prioritize integrity over fear of bad publicity. His remarks indicated that Bezos wishes to promote a media landscape that adheres to journalistic principles rather than succumbing to political pressures. Additionally, Bezos briefly reflected on his own experiences and perspectives as a prominent public figure in the tech industry. He shared insights regarding the challenges of public perception and being a billionaire, asserting that his wealth is more of a burden than a source of pride. Furthermore, he expressed confidence in his space venture, Blue Origin, claiming that it has the potential to surpass Amazon's success in the future. Overall, Bezos' statements demonstrate his considered approach to the intersections between business, politics, and media in an increasingly complex social landscape.