Paul Krugman exits The New York Times after 25 years of controversial columns
- Paul Krugman announced his departure from The New York Times after nearly 25 years as a columnist, during which he addressed pressing economic and political issues.
- His final column reflects a stark contrast to the optimism of the late 1990s, instead focusing on the pervasive anger and resentment felt across various social classes today.
- Krugman's exit comes just ahead of Donald Trump's re-entry into the political landscape, raising questions about the implications of his departure.
In December 2024, renowned economist Paul Krugman concluded his tenure at The New York Times, where he had been a prominent voice for nearly 25 years. Throughout his column career, which began in January 2000, Krugman addressed a wide range of critical economic issues, often taking a stance against austerity measures and criticizing various political figures, including Donald Trump and George W. Bush, as well as questioning decisions made by Barack Obama's administration. His last column, titled 'Finding Hope in an Age of Resentment,' reflects his shift from optimism at the dawn of the 21st century to a sense of discouragement. Krugman highlighted the growing sentiments of anger and resentment that have replaced the optimism that many felt in 1999 and early 2000. He pointed to a significant decline in trust towards elites in society, from elected officials to billionaires in the tech industry, which he believes has contributed to the current political and economic landscape, characterized by a rise in populism and discontent. Krugman's departure from the New York paper coincides with Donald Trump’s expected return to political prominence, introducing a layer of speculation about the motivation behind his exit. His critiques over the years positioned him as a staunch advocate for progressive economic policies and a vocal opponent of practices he deemed harmful to the economy and society at large. His observations regarding the sentiments of citizens and their growing frustration illustrate a concerning trend in public opinion, one that could shape future political dynamics. While expressing despair over the current state of national and global sentiment, Krugman also offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that while resentment might initially empower undesirable leaders, it cannot sustain them in the long run. He emphasized this belief in his concluding remarks, reflecting on his career and the paramount changes he has witnessed both in economic conditions and public sentiment throughout his tenure at the newspaper. With his exit, the landscape of public discourse, particularly from a progressive economic viewpoint, will undoubtedly feel a void left by Krugman's influential voice.