Jeff Bezos shifts support towards Donald Trump

Jeff Bezos has dramatically changed his relationship with Donald Trump over the past year. Once a critic, he now seeks to maintain a friendly rapport with the former president, surprising many around him. This shift follows ongoing tensions between corporate America and Trump's administration. Bezos, the Amazon founder, actively supported Trump's inauguration by attending and contributing financially. He has also invested in projects related to Trump, like a documentary about Melania Trump and airing old episodes of Trump's reality TV show on Amazon's streaming service. This shift in strategy seems driven by practical business considerations as Bezos aims to protect his interests. Following a significant loss of a $10 billion defense contract to Microsoft, Bezos's personal feelings about Trump have transformed. He views the upcoming challenges under a potential second Trump presidency as a real threat to his business empire, which includes Amazon and the space company Blue Origin. Internally, Bezos's change in approach has left The Washington Post's staff feeling uneasy. Many journalists have expressed concerns over the paper's direction and have lost confidence in Bezos's leadership. Some have even resigned in protest over his influence on editorial decisions. As Bezos continues to navigate his complex relationship with Trump, he faces significant challenges ahead. His various business interests rely heavily on government contracts and approval, making his ties with Trump potentially crucial. Despite concerns from his newsroom, Bezos seems committed to his new strategy—balancing personal relationships with business preservation.