The editorial board of the New York Post on Friday endorsed Donald Trump for president and called him the “clear choice for a better future,” marking a stunning reversal from the paper’s earlier statement that his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection disqualified him from ever leading the country again.
The board acknowledged that the former Republican president’s rhetoric can be harsh at times, but said his record in office indicates that he would be the right person to move the U.S. forward.
The editorial said that “yes, many find him offensive — and we say fair enough: He can be ridiculously hyperbolic. But before COVID wreaked havoc across the globe, Trump’s first-term results were paychecks that grew markedly faster than inflation, the lowest unemployment in 50 years, a secure border and peace overseas.”
Friday’s editorial was an about-face from what the board had said two years ago, when it slammed Trump for his “refusal to stop the violence” that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol in early 2021.
The board wrote in July 2022 that “as a matter of principle, as a matter of character, Trump has proven himself unworthy to be this country’s chief executive again.”
But it now says a Trump presidency is exactly what the U.S. needs.
Friday’s editorial stated that “the world is on the precipice of widespread war. Today, Trump exhibits the same strength and vigor as he did in 2016, despite the unprecedented and disgraceful weaponization of the justice system against him, two assassination attempts and the all-too-familiar constant barrage of hysterical media attacks on him.”
The paper also warned its readers about the candidacy of Trump’s Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Indeed, any close study of her record shows it to be that of a San Francisco progressive,” the editorial said, proceeding to reference incumbent President Joe Biden. “If she wins, Harris will not only co-opt Bidenism but accelerate the progressive hurricane ripping through the fabric of American society.”
Trump welcomed the Post’s move.
“I LOVE THE NEW YORK POST,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform. “GREAT ELECTION COVERAGE. THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL ENDORSEMENT!!!”
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Last week, the former president met with Murdoch — chair emeritus of both Fox Corp. and News Corp., which owns the New York Post — and complained about the appearance of Democratic guests on Fox News, according to The Washington Post. During an appearance on the conservative network, Trump also suggested that it should not air any negative ads about him.