What Next | Daily News and Analysis TBD | Bezos 2.0
24 snips
Mar 23, 2025 
Dana Mattioli, a Wall Street Journal reporter and author of "The Everything War," dives into the intriguing evolution of Jeff Bezos's relationship with political power. He discusses how Bezos shifted from a rival of President Trump to a more conciliatory figure. The conversation highlights Bezos's growing influence in D.C. and the strategic moves Amazon has made to ingratiate itself with the Biden administration. The episode also touches on the broader implications of big tech policies and Bezos's changing role in the political landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump's Bezos Vitriol
- Donald Trump openly expressed his disdain for Jeff Bezos and his companies, particularly The Washington Post, during his first term.
- Trump saw the Post's coverage as politically motivated and even explored the possibility of breaking up Amazon.
HQ2's Political Impact
- Amazon's search for a second headquarters (HQ2) ultimately landed in suburban Virginia, close to Washington, D.C.
- This move solidified Bezos's presence in the political landscape and allowed Amazon to increase its lobbying efforts.
Bezos's D.C. Debut
- In 2020, Bezos hosted a party at his D.C. mansion, attended by prominent figures including Bill Gates, Ben Stiller, and members of Trump's inner circle.
- This event marked Bezos's foray into D.C. high society and his efforts to build relationships with Trump's allies.
