Bezos Urged NBC News to 'Stand Up to Trump,' Ex-Chairman Says

Former NBC News boss Andy Lack claims billionaire Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos confronted him about the network's coverage of Trump.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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According to former NBC News chairman Andy Lack, billionaire Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos once urged NBC News to "stand up to" then-President Donald Trump in 2018. Lack said the encounter happened at a Vanity Fair Oscar party, where Bezos was "steely eyed" as he pushed Lack to be more critical of Trump's presidency.

Why it matters

Bezos' alleged confrontation with Lack highlights the complex relationship between media owners, political figures, and news coverage. As the owner of the Washington Post, Bezos has faced criticism for his handling of the newspaper, including firing over 300 employees and overhauling the editorial pages. Lack's account provides a rare glimpse into Bezos' private views on how the media should cover the Trump administration.

The details

Lack said the encounter with Bezos happened in 2018 at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles. Bezos was "in my face" and asked Lack, "When are you guys going to stand up to Trump?" Lack said he "pushed back" but Bezos "shook his head and moved on." Lack noted that Bezos' purchase of the Washington Post in 2013 was seen as a "bargain-basement deal" that would usher the paper "into the digital age." However, Lack said many of his friends at the Post are now "bewildered and pissed off at the arrogance of the fourth richest man in the world tearing the paper apart."

  • The encounter between Bezos and Lack occurred in 2018 at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.

The players

Jeff Bezos

The billionaire owner of The Washington Post and the fourth richest person in the world.

Andy Lack

The former chairman of NBC News, who left the network in 2020.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who was in office during the time of the alleged encounter between Bezos and Lack.

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What they’re saying

“When are you guys going to stand up to Trump? I was at NBC at the time, and a bit startled – 'What do you mean?' I said. He was in my face. 'Come on, you're letting him off the hook!' He was steely eyed – I pushed back. 'I don't think that's quite right...' Before I said anything more, he shook his head and moved on.”

— Jeff Bezos (LinkedIn)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex relationship between powerful media owners, like Bezos, and the news organizations they control. It raises questions about the influence owners can have on editorial decisions and coverage, especially when it comes to politically charged figures like Trump.