The Los Angeles Times will no longer feature editorial opinions on President-elect Donald Trump, a move spearheaded by billionaire owner Patrick Soon-Shiong. This decision is part of his broader effort to shift the paper away from a liberal perspective to a more centrist editorial stance.
LA Times editorial board to stop writing about Trump after owner blocked endorsement https://t.co/4GgUuGN6gJ
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 28, 2024
Soon-Shiong’s push for balance has stirred significant controversy. During the 2024 presidential race, he blocked the paper’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, leading to a wave of backlash. Nearly 20,000 subscribers canceled their accounts, and several members of the editorial board resigned in protest.
LA Times owner asks editorial board to ‘take a break’ from writing about Trump – report | Los Angeles Times | The Guardian https://t.co/3q9yFHlIkc
— Carlos A. Moreno (@CarlosAMoreno) December 19, 2024
“The only way you can survive is to not be an echo chamber of one side,” Soon-Shiong said, defending his decision. While he remains committed to supporting the paper, he emphasized the necessity of creating a sustainable business model, rather than treating the paper as a “philanthropic trust.”
The LA Times is releasing a series of editorials about the dangers of Trump. Read today's editorial here: https://t.co/LCAnhrqC3b pic.twitter.com/oIumzgEOqY
— RiotWomenn (@riotwomennn) April 2, 2017
Soon-Shiong’s approach mirrors that of Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, whose paper declined to endorse a candidate in the same election. Soon-Shiong plans to introduce more conservative perspectives to the Times’ opinion section, further aligning with his vision of fostering a more balanced discourse.
Editorial: America's institutions are under attack by Trump’s authoritarian vision (via @latimesopinion) https://t.co/MW5kd7LcSi pic.twitter.com/aUA2jlHKtq
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) April 4, 2017
The change has not come without its detractors. Veteran columnist Harry Litman announced his resignation earlier this month, accusing the paper of “appeasing Trump” for what he described as profit-driven motives. His departure is emblematic of the tensions surrounding the paper’s evolving editorial direction.
Patrick Soon-Shiong, the owner of the Los Angeles Times, reportedly asked the editorial board to "take a break" from writing about Donald Trump.
If you haven't canceled your LA Times subscription yet, do it.
Yet another South African trying to destroy the free press.
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) December 19, 2024
Despite the backlash, Soon-Shiong urged readers to embrace differing viewpoints. “Nobody has 100% the right view,” he said, calling for an end to polarization. He believes that fostering diverse perspectives is essential to the nation’s healing process.
🚨BREAKING: Los Angeles Times in it's latest editorial Piece termed Trump as wanna be 'First Dictator In US History'
Do you agree with Los Angeles Times Newspaper?
If NO, I want to follow you pic.twitter.com/QqePFww6r8
— Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 News (@KDebunked) December 19, 2024
This shift in editorial strategy highlights broader changes in legacy media as outlets grapple with declining readership and public demand for ideological diversity.
