SEATTLE, USA – Amazon founder and chairman Jeff Bezos extended his congratulations to Donald Trump on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, lauding the former president’s “extraordinary political comeback” and “decisive victory” following his re-election win.
Bezos, who has often been the subject of Trump’s criticism, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his support for the newly re-elected leader and wish him success in guiding and uniting the nation.
“Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory,” Bezos wrote.
“No nation has bigger opportunities. Wishing [Donald Trump] all success in leading and uniting the America we all love.”
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy also offered his congratulations in a separate post, expressing optimism for potential collaboration.
“Congratulations to President-elect Trump on a hard-fought victory,” Jassy stated.
“We look forward to working with you and your administration on issues important to our customers, employees, communities, and country.”
Bezos’ acknowledgment of Trump’s win comes just a week after his decision to refrain from endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris through his newspaper, The Washington Post.
Bezos defended this choice, arguing that endorsements can create “perception of bias” and stressing that his varied business interests—Amazon, the Post, and space venture Blue Origin—complicate his role.
The decision, however, drew backlash from Post reporters and readers, with a significant portion of the editorial board resigning and 250,000 subscriptions cancelled.
Bezos’ recent comments mark a notable moment in the complex relationship between the Amazon founder and Trump, who has frequently criticised Bezos and The Washington Post.
Trump has repeatedly referred to the newspaper as “The Amazon Washington Post” and accused it of lobbying on Amazon’s behalf.
In 2019, Amazon accused the Trump administration of applying undue pressure to block the company from securing a Pentagon contract, a claim that drew public attention to Trump’s perceived animosity toward Bezos and his ventures.
On election night, tensions between Trump’s team and media resurfaced when his campaign revoked press credentials for Amazon’s election special.
Journalist Tara Palmeri, slated to cover the campaign’s Florida watch party, was denied access after her reporting highlighted anxieties within the Trump campaign.
“Turns out I have pissed off Trump’s campaign manager with my reporting,” Palmeri explained on her podcast.
Despite the friction, Amazon shares responded positively to the election news, trading up more than 3% Wednesday morning.
Trump’s victory, coupled with Republican gains in Congress, has fueled market optimism around potential pro-business policies, a sentiment echoed by business leaders across multiple sectors.
