Washington Post Cartoonist Ann Telnaes Resigns After Bezos Cartoon Rejection

Ann Telnaes, a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist at The Washington Post, has resigned following the refusal of her cartoon depicting Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, as part of the paper’s editorial lineup. Telnaes confirmed her resignation on January 3, 2025, stating, ‘It is completely unacceptable for a cartoonist to be censored in this way.’ The controversial cartoon, which presented a satirical take on Bezos’ influence and wealth in relation to politics and media, was reportedly rejected after internal discussions at the newspaper. Telnaes expressed her disappointment, arguing that the decision reflects a troubling trend of censorship within the media landscape. This incident follows previous controversies involving political cartoons, highlighting ongoing tensions between artistic expression and editorial discretion. Jeff Bezos, who purchased The Washington Post in 2013, has often been a target of political satire, and his influence has raised questions about corporate priorities in journalism. Telnaes had been with the Post for over two decades and has received several accolades for her work, including multiple Pulitzer Prizes.