Former Washington Post Chief Editor Says 'Public Should Be Grateful' to the Press 'Holding Trump Accountable'

Former Washington Post chief editor Marty Baron has stirred up some buzz with his recent remarks, urging the public to appreciate the press for its role in "holding Trump accountable." Baron, who led the Post during some of its most high-profile investigations, didn’t hold back as he discussed recent changes at the paper and the broader state of media.

During an appearance on Mediaite’s "Press Club" podcast, Baron expressed his disapproval of a decision by the Post’s owner, Jeff Bezos, to shift the opinion page’s editorial stance toward supporting "personal liberties and free markets." Baron admitted he was "very disturbed" and "shocked" by what he saw as a departure from the tradition of showcasing a broad spectrum of opinions. "It’s not something I anticipated," he said, adding that this move could compromise the Post’s credibility.

Baron also weighed in on the ongoing debates surrounding the Washington Post’s refusal to endorse a presidential candidate for the 2024 election, a choice he previously labeled a "serious mistake." He argued that such decisions might tarnish the brand and fuel public suspicions about the paper’s commitment to journalistic values.

Despite his criticisms, Baron passionately defended the Post’s newsroom, calling its staff "honorable people" who work tirelessly to deliver "revelatory reporting" on key figures like Donald Trump. "The Post is actually doing the work," he said, urging Bezos and Post CEO Will Lewis to show more gratitude to the team. "Instead of causing so much disruption, they should publicly thank the staff for their hard work. That’s exactly why we have a free press in this country and why we need it." Baron also implored the public to support the press rather than cancel subscriptions, emphasizing the importance of independent journalism in a democracy.

In a sharp critique of Trump and other media detractors, Baron dismissed claims that legacy media is irrelevant. He pointed out what he saw as a glaring contradiction: "If we were irrelevant, they wouldn’t be so obsessed with us. Trump is unbelievably obsessed with the traditional press. So how can you both argue that we’re irrelevant and at the same time talk about us all the time? It makes no sense." Honestly, it’s hard to argue with logic that cuts that clean.

Baron’s comments add to a broader conversation about the challenges facing legacy media in an era of polarized politics, shifting business models, and relentless criticism from public figures. Whether you agree with him or not, one thing’s for sure: the debate over the role of the press isn’t slowing down anytime soon.