LA Times Shifts Editorial Policy On Trump, Liberal Meltdown Begins
The Los Angeles Times, under the direction of billionaire owner Patrick Soon-Shiong, will no longer editorialize about President-elect Donald Trump, marking a significant shift in its approach to political coverage. Soon-Shiong has cited the need for greater editorial balance as essential to the paper’s survival.
Soon-Shiong’s decision has drawn both praise and criticism. The move follows his controversial intervention to block an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris during her campaign against Trump, a decision that led to nearly 20,000 canceled subscriptions and several resignations from the editorial board. Critics argue the change reflects a departure from the paper’s traditionally liberal stance.
LA Times editorial board to stop writing about Trump after owner blocked endorsement https://t.co/4GgUuGN6gJ
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 28, 2024
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 explained in an interview. He emphasized the importance of a sustainable business model, indicating that while he remains committed to funding the publication, it must adapt to remain viable.
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
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
Soon-Shiong’s plans include introducing more conservative perspectives to the opinion pages, mirroring a strategy employed by Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, whose paper refrained from endorsing a presidential candidate in the 2024 election.
Those critical of the shift, including longtime columnist Harry Litman, argue that it compromises journalistic integrity. Litman announced his resignation earlier this month, stating he could no longer work for an outlet that he felt was “appeasing Trump” for profit-driven motives.
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
🚨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
Soon-Shiong, however, views the move as a step toward healing political polarization. “Nobody has 100% the right view,” he said, urging subscribers to respect differing opinions. He believes this balanced approach is vital to reducing division in the nation.
The Los Angeles Times is one of several legacy media outlets rethinking their editorial strategies amid declining subscriptions and rising public demand for diverse viewpoints.