Ann Telnaes, a longtime editorial cartoonist at The Washington Post, has stepped down following the rejection of one of her recent works. The cartoon featured Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, alongside other billionaires, kneeling before a statue of President-elect Donald Trump.
In a post on Substack, Telnaes explained that her cartoon was meant to criticize tech and media executives for aligning with Trump. The illustration also included Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, LA Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong, and Disney's Mickey Mouse.
Telnaes stated the cartoon highlighted these executives' pursuit of lucrative government deals and their growing influence with Trump. She expressed frustration over its rejection, which she claimed was due to its viewpoint rather than execution or clarity.
She criticized Bezos for prioritizing powerful connections over the press's democratic responsibilities. Telnaes reaffirmed her commitment to challenging authority and promoting free speech, even as she leaves the newspaper.
Jeff Bezos and Donald Trump have had a contentious history. Trump often accused The Washington Post of biased reporting and claimed it lobbied for Amazon. He also alleged that Amazon benefited unfairly from tax loopholes and U.S. Postal Service deals.
Despite their rocky past, Bezos recently made overtures to repair relations with Trump. After an assassination attempt on Trump in July, Bezos praised the former president's resilience. He also reportedly influenced The Washington Post to avoid endorsing Kamala Harris and congratulated Trump on his political resurgence.
Responding to Telnaes' resignation, the paper's opinions editor, David Shipley, said the cartoon was rejected to avoid repetitive coverage. He emphasized that the decision was not influenced by any external pressure.
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes, celebrated for her bold and uncompromising commentary, remains a steadfast advocate for free speech and the essential role of editorial cartoons in fostering democratic debate. She concluded her Substack post with a poignant reminder drawn from The Washington Post's own slogan: "Democracy Dies in Darkness," underscoring the critical need for a fearless press to hold power accountable.
