The Washington Post’s editorial pages are about to change. That might not be good news.

Jeff Bezos, the newspaper’s billionaire owner, announced Wednesday that the topics covered in its opinion section will focus on defending personal liberties and the free market. The Associated Press reported that the move is “a pivot away” from the Post’s “traditional broad” focus on many topics.

“We are going to be writing every day in support and defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets,” Bezos wrote in a post on X. He added, per AP, that the new topics “are right for America. I also believe these viewpoints are underserved in the current market of ideas and news opinion.”

But are they? The Wall Street Journal’s op-ed page banner, for example, has the words “free markets, free people.”

We’re not against either. Both pillars are major parts of what has made America the nation it has been for close to 250 years and a world leader. But a newspaper like the Post narrowing its editorial-page focus to that extreme can’t be good.

Bezos’ decision prompted Opinions Editor David Shipley to resign.

“I suggested to him that if the answer wasn’t ‘hell yes,’ then it had to be ‘no.’ After careful consideration, David decided to step away,” Bezos wrote.

Shipley appears to have more carefully considered his decision than Bezos did in deciding on the change to the newspaper best known for its coverage of Watergate and motto, “Democracy Dies in Darkness.”

Reaction to the new editorial philosophy was swift, with some — per AP — taking it as an indication that Bezos wants to avoid possible retaliation from President Donald Trump. But the world’s second-richest man — behind Trump adviser Elon Musk — insisted the change as modernization from the days when newspapers editorialized on many subjects. Now, according to Bezos, “The internet does that job.”

Musk seemed happy about Wednesday’s news.

“Bravo, @JeffBezos,” the fellow billionaire posted.

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk added: “Good! The culture is changing rapidly for the better.”

But is it?

What happens when an event occurs that cries out for the Post to act as all newspapers should — as watchdogs of government at all levels? Will the new, modernized Post have the temerity to write and publish what must be said?

Or as Bezos’ critics suggest, has one of America’s great newspapers abdicated the responsibility it once embraced?

Some believe that has already happened.

Weeks before the November election, Bezos announced that the Post would not endorse a presidential candidate. That led to a wave of resignations and subscription cancellations. The newspaper’s editorial staff had been prepared to endorse Democrat Kamala Harris before publisher Will Lewis wrote that it would be better for the Post’s readers to make up their own minds.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vermont, also took to Musk’s X platform Wednesday.

“This is what Oligarch ownership of the media looks like,” Sanders posted. “The second-richest guy in the world, Bezos, owns The Washington Post. He has now declared that the editorial page of that paper is going Trump right-wing. Surprise, Mr. Musk agrees. We must support independent media.”

Technically, that is not what Bezos wrote. But his declaration does raise concerns about how the Post will approach the content of its opinion pages moving forward.

SCRIPTURE

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16 ESV