Trump Blasts Newspapers Over Their 2024 Election Endorsement Decisions

Man speaking with gestures, woman and men in background.

Trump’s recent rally in North Carolina amplified his critique of top newspapers for their unprecedented silence in the 2024 presidential race.

At a Glance

The Los Angeles Times and Washington Post decided not to endorse a presidential candidate.
Critics argue this decision is cowardly and a deviation from their public duty.
Significant subscription cancellations hit both newspapers following their non-endorsement.
Trump suggests the lack of endorsement signifies disapproval of Kamala Harris.

Unprecedented Silence from Major Newspapers

Donald Trump criticized the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and USA Today at a rally in North Carolina, calling out their decision not to endorse a presidential candidate for the 2024 election. This move departs from their long-held tradition of endorsing Democratic candidates such as Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The lack of endorsement, particularly of Kamala Harris, has stirred reactions not only in political circles but also among their readership.

The Washington Post framed its decision as a return to historical practices, indicating a desire to remain impartial by not endorsing candidates. This marks the first time since 1988 that the Post chose not to endorse a presidential candidate, reportedly to create “independent space” and minimize perceptions of bias. Their stance has led to significant backlash, resulting in over 200,000 subscription cancellations.

WHY MAJOR NEWSPAPERS WON’T ENDORSE KAMALA HARRIS

In a surprising turn during the tight 2024 presidential race, both *The Washington Post* and *Los Angeles Times* decided not to endorse Kamala Harris, despite their past criticism of Donald Trump’s leadership. *The L.A. Times*…

— 𝗕𝗼𝗯 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 🇺🇸🗽🇺🇦🙀🦆🧀☕️ 🐾🥬🍳🌮🥡 (@bob_weeks) October 28, 2024

Backlash and Criticism

Former Washington Post editor Marty Baron described the non-endorsement as “disturbing spinelessness at an institution famed for courage.” Mariel Garza, editorial editor of the Los Angeles Times, resigned in protest, citing her desire not to stay silent during this pivotal moment. Critics argue the papers’ decision is an attempt to avoid taking a stand against what they see as a threat from Trump.

The decision not to endorse drew rebuke from notable figures, including Kamala Harris, who expressed disappointment at the absence of support from major publications. Harris highlighted connections between Trump and billionaire owners of these influential newspapers, suggesting their bias influenced the decision.

WHY MAJOR NEWSPAPERS WON’T ENDORSE KAMALA HARRIS

In a surprising turn during the tight 2024 presidential race, both *The Washington Post* and *Los Angeles Times* decided not to endorse Kamala Harris, despite their past criticism of Donald Trump’s leadership. *The L.A. Times*…

— 𝗕𝗼𝗯 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 🇺🇸🗽🇺🇦🙀🦆🧀☕️ 🐾🥬🍳🌮🥡 (@bob_weeks) October 28, 2024

Implications of Non-Endorsement

The Los Angeles Times and Washington Post’s decision not to endorse raises questions about the role of media in shaping public perception. “Boycotting The Post will hurt my colleagues and me,” warned Dana Milbank. The failure to endorse is seen as equating two wildly distinct candidates and potentially harms the newspaper’s financial stability, with subscription cancellations impacting their funding for journalism.

This controversy underscores the complex interplay between media influence, political endorsements, and public perception, especially with the press under scrutiny for its role in democracy. Trump’s remarks spotlight ongoing debates about ideological biases in media outlets, the perceived threats of another Trump presidency, and the broader implications for American democracy.