Paul Krugman retires after nearly 25 years of influential columns
- Paul Krugman is retiring from the New York Times after nearly 25 years.
- He gained recognition for his clear, insightful economic commentary and willingness to speak against popular opinion.
- His departure signifies a major change in the landscape of economic discourse in mainstream media.
In a significant turn of events, Paul Krugman, a renowned American economist and Nobel laureate, has announced his retirement from the New York Times Opinion section after nearly 25 years. His first column debuted on January 2, 2000, marking the start of an influential career where he often tackled complex economic issues with clarity and insight. Throughout his tenure, Krugman produced thought-provoking commentary on various subjects, including globalization, fiscal policy, and social welfare, consistently engaging his audience with his approachable writing style. Kathleen Kingsbury, the Times’ Opinion editor, recognized Krugman’s contributions in a memo, noting his authoritative voice and lively writing. Kingsbury praised his ability to navigate dense economic ideas and deliver hard truths, even when his opinions were unpopular. Krugman’s critiques of prominent figures and policies, such as the Iraq invasion and Donald Trump’s trade policies, reflect his willingness to challenge the status quo, often standing alone in his views. This boldness has earned him both respect and criticism throughout his career. In addition to his economic analyses, Krugman connected with his readers in unconventional ways. Times’ Opinion audience director, Liriel Higa, highlighted his efforts to stay accessible, engaging directly with readers through comments and even promoting an air fryer on TikTok. His relatability, despite his prestigious background, has endeared him to a wide audience, demonstrating that economic discourse can be both informative and engaging. As Krugman prepares to pen his final column, which remains unwritten, the impact of his work will undoubtedly resonate with readers and the economic community for years to come. His retirement marks the end of an era for the New York Times and leaves a notable void in the discourse surrounding economics and public policy, reminding readers of the importance of voice and opinion in shaping the economic landscape.