The Washington Post is under scrutiny after it refused to endorse a US presidential candidate ahead of the November election. A large number of users are caught by backlash for their decision and unsubscribe from the news daily. Notably, this move marks a departure from the usual trend The Washington Post has followed since 1976, when it first endorsed former President Jimmy Carter.

This development comes after the Post’s CEO and publisher William Lewis wrote that the newspaper would not support either of them US presidential candidates. At the same time, it announced that it will not provide support in future elections and will “return to our roots of not supporting presidential candidates.” Newsweek reported.

William Lewis stressed that newsroom principals are impartial, arguing that the Post’s mission is to provide “unbiased news for all Americans, and thoughtful, reported opinions from our opinion team to help our readers make up their own minds.” Newsweek reported.

Notably, Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee in the presidential election while former US President Donald Trump is the Republican candidate in the November 5 US election, and the Post does not support either of the two in the upcoming polls.

Stephen King, famous American novelist, announced on Friday that he canceled his newspaper subscription to “The Washington Post”. “The Shining” author, who is known to be Donald Trump critic, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) “(a)fter 5 years, I have canceled my subscription to the Washington Post.” Although he did not give a reason for his decision, earlier in the day he had shared a post criticizing The Washington Post’s decision.

It is important to note that “The Washington Post” is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who bought the newspaper in August 2013. Former executive editor of the Post, Martin Baron said: “Disturbing spinelessness at an institution known for courage.” During the development, The Washington Post Guild said, “We’re already seeing cancellations from once-loyal readers,” Newsweek reported.

Several other prominent people who canceled their subscriptions included film director Paul Feig. Paul Feig criticized the post, saying in a post on X: “Great, another billionaire protecting his own interest instead of the country’s. Nice to know you, @washingtonpost. Unsubscribed.” A former White House aide to President Bill Clinton, Keith Boykin, also canceled his subscription, citing “the magazine’s abdication of the duty to endorse a candidate in the most recent election.”

The Washington Post’s latest decision makes it the second major US newspaper after the Los Angeles Times to refuse to endorse one presidential candidate. This followed the resignation of the first prominent journalist, editor Robert Kagan.