Veteran tech journalist Kara Swisher is reportedly working to assemble a group of investors to purchase The Washington Post from current owner Jeff Bezos, Axios reported Friday.
A vision for change
Swisher expressed frustration with the state of the iconic newspaper, saying, “The Post can do better… it’s so maddening to see what’s happening. … Why not me? Why not any of us?”
The paper has faced a series of challenges, including high-profile staff departures, financial losses, unfilled key positions, and declining employee morale. Additionally, its controversial decision not to endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential election — reportedly a move supported by Bezos — angered both readers and editorial staff, with some resigning in protest.
Despite these issues, Bezos has not indicated any willingness to sell the paper, which he purchased in 2013 for $250 million.
A preemptive rejection of Elon Musk
Swisher was quick to make it clear that one particular billionaire would not be welcome in her envisioned investor consortium: Elon Musk.
“Hopefully not Elon,” she told Axios, adding sarcastically, “though he seems pretty busy these days being President (Not) Elect.”
Musk, a pro-Trump billionaire and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has become a polarizing figure in both media and political circles. His outspoken support for President-elect Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism from liberal outlets and Democratic lawmakers.
MSNBC host Chris Hayes recently remarked, “Elon Musk, the guy who really runs things. He’s not just Trump’s co-president. I think that’s way too low a title. He’s the head dude in charge, and House Republicans certainly know who they are taking their marching orders from.”
A competitive bidding field
While Swisher is committed to the idea, she acknowledges potential competition if Bezos ever considers selling. Axios CEO Jim VandeHei weighed in on the prospect of Musk entering the bidding process, tweeting, “She expects lots of competition IF Bezos budges on selling. ‘Hopefully not Elon,’ she said. Doubt [Musk] wants Post.”
For now, Swisher’s efforts remain in the preliminary stages, with the future of The Washington Post in Bezos’ hands.
