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2024 cycle, Amazon made $6,941,498 in political contributions. Of these, $5,154,937 went to Democrats and $1,062,201 to Republicans; $674,511 to liberal groups, $63,239 to conservatives.
Regarding Bezos’ billions in philanthropic giving, no signs emerge that this is a man driven by the core importance of individual liberty and free markets. I run a nonprofit that supports these ideas, and I know the organizations that are in this space. They are nowhere to be found in Bezos’ philanthropy.
On the contrary, the flavor of Bezos’ philanthropic preferences reflects the mindset of a man of the left.
For instance, his $10 billion commitment to climate change via his Bezos Earth Fund.
One extract from the thinking: “The market economy can play a valuable role in shifting to a green future, but free markets alone can simply perpetuate past pollution and
depletion.” The Bezos Scholars Program in the Bezos Family Foundation, founded by his parents, headlines its work with diversity, equity and inclusion — “We employ policies and practices that foster diversity, equity and inclusion.”
It’s very possible to see Bezos’ move at the Post through the eye of a cynic. Yes, indeed, this is not a man of conviction but a man of money who will support the best ideas that money can buy. If Trump means free markets, that’s what Jeff Bezos will support, regardless of what he supported in the past.
On the other hand, no one can deny that this is a very, very smart, extraordinarily capable, and, yes, courageous businessman.
The media business as a whole is in shambles and needs shaking up.
New data from Gallup shows that the percentage of Americans who say they trust mass media a “great deal/fair amount” has dropped from 68% in 1972 to 33% in 2024.
Regarding confidence in newspapers, 18% say that have a “great deal/ quite a lot,” and 48% say they have “very little/ none”.
If Jeff Bezos is someone who started from modest beginnings, became very successful and very, very rich in America and then supported leftwing policies and politicians, he wouldn’t be alone.
There are many like this. One can achieve great success and not really understand the source of their blessings.
Being able to learn and grow throughout one’s life is praiseworthy.
So maybe Jeff Bezos, despite his multibillions and legendary success, remains a modest man who continues to grow.
Maybe now he sees the truth. I hope so.
Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now. To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators. com. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS. COM
