While some business elites remain silent, fearing backlash, signs are emerging that many are recalibrating their positions. Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, who owns “The Washington Post,” made headlines by halting the paper’s presidential endorsements. Initially set to back Kamala Harris, the Post’s decision to not give an endorsement caused a stir, with some seeing it as a strategic move to avoid alienating Trump. Similarly, Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the “Los Angeles Time,” blocked his paper’s Harris endorsement, citing concerns about division.
Trump allies have cheered these developments as evidence that the political winds are shifting in his favor. “The elites and the money — they sense Trump is going to win,” said Bill White, a prominent Trump fundraiser. He pointed to betting trends on sites like Polymarket, where wagers on Trump’s victory have surged—though some experts suspect market manipulation. For White, Bezos staying neutral amounts to “a $50 million endorsement” for Trump.
“Bezos not endorsing Kamala Harris — I think that’s a $50 million endorsement for Trump. Not picking a horse is picking a horse”
–Bill White, a Trump fundraiser, quoted in this morning’s Washington Posthttps://t.co/40rJgTQ53F
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) October 28, 2024
The shifting loyalties aren’t limited to media moguls. Executives from Silicon Valley, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Mark Zuckerberg, Andy Jassy, and Sundar Pichai, have reached out to Trump’s team in recent months. Even Zuckerberg, who previously clashed with Trump, struck a more conciliatory tone. After the attempted assassination of Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, Zuckerberg reportedly praised Trump’s resilience, calling it “bad—” and expressing admiration for his “fight.” Trump, however, remains cautious, telling *The Washington Post* in September that he’s keeping a close eye on Zuckerberg’s actions this election cycle.
This sudden shift toward neutrality or even tacit support reflects a growing awareness among business elites: Trump’s return to power is becoming a real possibility, and those with government contracts or regulatory concerns are hedging their bets. As Alan Dershowitz put it, “It’s a natural phenomenon of people who depend on government support for their wealth.”
That’s at least what the post claimed. However, Americans are struggling, and when they are having a hard time, they buy less on Amazon. If you don’t think that Bezos has noticed, I’ve got a cloud to sell you.
Since the paper’s decision, two employees have left the paper, and many leftists have canceled their subscriptions to the Post.
But here’s another reality for the writers at the Post…layoffs.
Since 2023 the paper has been skimming staff and layoff workers. Those resigning may be doing leadership a favor.
