Why are Stephen King and others canceling their subscription to ‘The Washington Post’?

The Washington Post is under scrutiny after refusing to endorse a US presidential candidate before the November elections. Caught in reaction to the decision, a large number of users unsubscribe from the news every day. The move notably marks a departure from the usual trend The Washington Post has followed since 1976, when it first endorsed former President Jimmy Carter.

The development comes after the Post’s CEO and publisher, William Lewis, wrote that the newspaper would not endorse either American presidential candidates. At the same time, it announced that it would not make endorsements in future elections and would “return to our roots of not supporting presidential candidates.” Newsweek reported.

William Lewis emphasized that newsroom principles should be unbiased, asserting that the Post’s job is to “provide unbiased news for all Americans and thought-provoking, reported views from our opinion team to help our readers make up their minds .” Newsweek reported.

Notably, Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic candidate in the presidential race, while former US President Donald Trump is the Republican candidates in the November 5 US election, with the Post not backing either in the upcoming polls.

Stephen King, the famous American novelist, announced on Friday that he has canceled his newspaper subscription to The Washington Post. ‘The Shining’ author, who is known to be Donald Trump critic said in a post on Although he did not give a reason for his decision, he had shared a post earlier in the day criticizing The Washington Post’s decision.

It is important to note that ‘The Washington Post’ is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who bought the newspaper in August 2013. Former Post editor-in-chief Martin Baron said: “Disturbing spinelessness at an institution famed for its courage.” Regarding the development, The Washington Post Guild said, “We are already seeing cancellations from once-loyal readers,” Newsweek reported.

Some other prominent figures who canceled the subscription included film director Paul Feig. Paul Feig criticized the Post, saying in a post on X: “Great, another billionaire protecting his self-interest instead of the country’s. Nice knowing you, @washingtonpost. Subscription canceled.” A former White House aide to President Bill Clinton, Keith Boykin, also canceled her subscription, citing “the newspaper’s abdication of the duty to support a candidate in the most consequential elections. “

The Washington Post’s recent decision makes it the second major American newspaper after The Los Angeles Times to refuse to endorse an agreement presidential candidate. This followed the dismissal of the first prominent journalist, editor-in-chief Robert Kagan.