Glen Kessler Leaves Washington Post After Ownership Change

Glen Kessler, who has been at the helm of the Washington Post’s fact-checking operation since 2010, announced his departure from the paper following its recent acquisition. He shared this news in a LinkedIn post, where he mentioned he plans to explore new opportunities.

Kessler expressed that financial factors played a significant role in his decision, stating, “In this era, financial considerations were impossible to dismiss, just as we aimed to continue scrutinizing politicians in Washington.” He also revealed that he’s working on a novel set in the 1920s in the then Dutch East Indies, based on a State Department cable he discovered at the National Archives. Furthermore, he is considering freelance and consulting projects.

Throughout his tenure, Kessler was known for his thorough checks, especially a notable piece from June 2024 regarding misleading videos of President Biden, which he referred to as “cheap fakes.” He criticized various outlets, including the New York Post and the London Telegraph, suggesting they sourced misleading information from the Republican National Committee’s website.

Kessler articulated that the misuse of such manipulated videos is particularly damaging. He pointed out that these instances exemplify the type of misleading content that has become increasingly prevalent.

Despite facing challenges, Kessler defended his work amid criticism, notably when the New York Post labeled his fact-checking efforts as a “propaganda mill.” He also noted that the highest criticism, represented by a “Four Pinocchio” rating, is reserved for the most egregious falsehoods.

As for his next steps, Kessler stated, “I’m not sure.” He attempted to negotiate a short-term contract to help facilitate a smooth transition for whoever might step into his role, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accurate fact-checking during this critical period in U.S. history.