Pulitzer-Winning Cartoonist Leaves Washington Post Over Editorial Clash
Ann Telnaes, an award-winning cartoonist, has resigned from her position at the Washington Post, a role she has held since 2008. She cites editorial interference as her primary reason for leaving.
Telnaes revealed that an editor at the newspaper refused to publish her proposed cartoon. This illustration featured Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, along with other tech and media moguls, portrayed in a submissive posture before President-elect Donald Trump.
The cartoon also included images of Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and OpenAI’s Sam Altman, depicted as delivering bags of money to Trump. Additionally, Patrick Soon-Shiong, the billionaire owner of the Los Angeles Times, was shown carrying a tube of lipstick.
In a statement on her Substack, Telnaes expressed her frustrations:
“Throughout my tenure, I’ve received editorial guidance and had many productive discussions—and some disagreements—regarding the cartoons I submitted for publication. However, this is the first time an editor has outright blocked a cartoon due to its subject matter. This incident has prevented me from performing my essential role of holding the powerful accountable. Consequently, I have chosen to resign from the Post. Although my departure might not create a significant impact, and may be overlooked since I am merely a cartoonist, I will continue my commitment to speaking truth to power through my artwork, as democracy thrives on transparency and accountability.”
Following an incident where Jeff Bezos allegedly suppressed a Washington Post endorsement of Kamala Harris in October, over three hundred thousand individuals unsubscribed from the paper’s digital service.
