There are growing uncertainties about Karen Attia’s position at the Washington Post following her recent one-on-one with the new opinion editor, Adam O’Neill.
Sources indicated that during their meeting last month, O’Neill, previously an economist correspondent, expressed that Attia’s work did not align with his vision for the section. He also mentioned that he found her writing offensive.
Attia, known for her strong anti-Trump views, had previously noted that several of her colleagues had recently left after opting for a voluntary departure package.
On social media, she commented, “So…officially, I’m the last black staff columnist left in the opinion section of the Washington Post,” although she acknowledged that Keith Richberg and Theodore Johnson continue contributing.
At that moment, Attia was contemplating whether to accept a voluntary departure package or stay at the publication owned by Jeff Bezos.
After her post, she chose not to accept the offer, despite rising tensions during her time in the office.
O’Neill had similar conversations with other columnists, signalling that their writing might not fit his agenda and suggesting they consider taking the package as well.
He might have expected Attia to follow the trend of her departing colleagues, but it seems she wanted clarity about her future at the paper, which did not materialize.
Despite the situation, Attia recently wrote an article about bodybuilding, which she described as a significant expression of self-awareness.
O’Neill’s leadership has already caused some unrest within the opinion section, with several notable figures having departed and others remaining skeptical of his direction.
The New York Post has reached out for comments from Attia, O’Neill, and the Washington Post regarding the matter.
Signs of O’Neill’s editorial shift became apparent when he ran an opinion piece by Jay Battacharya, who formerly served in the Trump administration, regarding the need to suppress mRNA vaccine development—a stance that received backlash.
He also published an op-ed by Jeanine Pirro, promoting an agenda centered on public safety amid ongoing discussions about police in Washington, D.C.
Concerns have been raised that the Washington Post, under Bezos, is shifting to align more closely with Trump administration narratives, a departure from policies that were upheld by previous editorial leaders.
In recent months, the Washington Post has undergone significant transformations, ceasing to support presidential statements and announcing a new opinion strategy focused on personal freedom and free-market principles, all following a leadership change that sparked criticism from readers and former staff members.
