Longtime Columnist Hugh Hewitt Exits The Washington Post—A Look Back
Longtime Washington Post columnist Hugh Hewitt announced his resignation from the newspaper on Friday, confirming the news to Fox News Digital.
A Conservative Voice at a Liberal Outlet
Hewitt, a conservative commentator and host of a nationally syndicated radio show, had contributed to the Washington Post since 2017, producing hundreds of columns during his tenure. He noted that he had been writing for the paper approximately every six weeks and had recently offered to write another pro-Trump column in anticipation of the upcoming election. He officially informed editorial page editor David Shipley of his decision on Friday morning.
His Last Column and Call for Evolution
Hewitt’s last piece was published on Tuesday, in which he urged the MAGA movement to adapt if Trump were to win the presidency again. His perspective was a rarity at the predominantly liberal outlet, where he covered a wide array of topics beyond just political commentary.
Viral Clip Sparks Resignation
The resignation followed a viral moment earlier that day during the Washington Post’s online show, “First Look,” where Hewitt had a heated exchange with liberal columnists Jonathan Capehart and Ruth Marcus. The discussion centered around Trump’s rhetoric regarding election integrity and his assertions of electoral fraud.
Capehart initiated the discussion, asking Marcus about Trump’s claims of cheating in Pennsylvania. As Marcus expressed her views, Hewitt attempted to interject but was cut off by Capehart, who insisted that Marcus finish her point.
Hewitt’s Defense and Departure
In response to the ongoing discussion, Hewitt asserted the need for balanced reporting, highlighting that a court had reversed the Bucks County decision, allowing extra days for voting due to prior violations. He insisted that the complete story needed to be told.
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After a brief pause, Capehart pushed back, remarking, “I don’t appreciate being lectured about reporting when, Hugh, many times, you’ve come here saying lots of things that aren’t based in fact.” This prompted Hewitt to stand up and declare, “I won’t come back, Jonathan. I’m done. I’m done. This is the most unfair election ad I’ve ever been a part of.” With that, he exited the set, leaving viewers with an empty screen as the show returned to Capehart and Marcus discussing the election’s stakes.
Washington Post’s Response
A spokesperson for the Washington Post did not comment specifically on Hewitt’s exit but emphasized that “Washington Post Live” is known for its dynamic discussions and diverse perspectives on current issues.
Context of Hewitt’s Departure
Hewitt’s resignation comes shortly after the Post decided, under owner Jeff Bezos, not to endorse a presidential candidate this year—a move that sparked backlash among staff and readers, leading to resignations and a wave of canceled subscriptions. Reports indicate that Bezos has called for an increase in conservative opinion writers, making Hewitt’s departure a setback in that initiative.
The Washington Post had been poised to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, having not backed a Republican presidential candidate since 1976, but Bezos opted to forgo the endorsement to rebuild trust with readers wary of media bias.
In 2024, Hewitt had written just seven pieces for the Post, a stark contrast to the 48 columns he penned in 2023.
