A Washington Post editorial cartoonist, Ann Telnaes, has resigned, citing the rejection of a cartoon depicting media executives bowing to President Trump. The cartoon, according to Telnaes, depicted prominent figures, including Jeff Bezos, in a subservient posture while receiving bags of money, highlighting alleged efforts by powerful figures to curry favor with the incoming president.
Telnaes, in a Substack post, argued that the cartoon critiqued the actions of billionaire media and tech executives seeking favorable relationships with the new administration. She noted that the figures were frequently seen at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club, and many held lucrative government contracts. Her cartoon aimed to expose these potential conflicts of interest.
The cartoon's rejection, Telnaes stated, is a dangerous precedent for a free press. She emphasized her role in holding powerful figures accountable and indicated her resolve to continue her work in highlighting the truth. The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists condemned the Post's action, calling it "political cowardice" and urged solidarity with Telnaes.
The Washington Post, however, countered that the cartoon was rejected due to the paper's recent publication of a column on a similar topic, and the planned publishing of another. The Post’s editorial page editor, David Shipley, stated that the decision was not motivated by any malicious intent, but rather to avoid redundant content.
