Hugh Hewitt, a rare conservative voice at The Washington Post, has resigned after a heated exchange during a live discussion about Trump’s election rhetoric, marking the end of a significant chapter for the paper as it navigates its editorial identity amid declining staff morale and criticism of its liberal bias.
Hugh Hewitt, a prominent conservative commentator and longtime columnist, has officially left The Washington Post, signaling the loss of one of the last conservative voices at the paper. Hewitt, who began contributing to the outlet in 2017, confirmed his departure to Fox News Digital on Friday, stating that he had been writing columns approximately every six weeks and had recently expressed interest in penning another pro-Trump piece ahead of the upcoming election.
In his last column, published just days before his resignation, Hewitt urged the MAGA movement to adapt if former President Donald Trump were to regain the presidency. Despite being a rare pro-Trump presence in a predominantly liberal publication, his writings covered a wide array of topics, making him a unique voice within the editorial lineup.
Hewitt’s decision to quit came after a notable incident during a live discussion on The Washington Post’s online show, "First Look." During the segment, which featured liberal columnists Jonathan Capehart and Ruth Marcus, Hewitt attempted to clarify aspects of Trump’s rhetoric regarding election integrity. As the discussion became heated, Capehart interrupted him, prompting Hewitt to walk off the set.
During the exchange, Capehart and Marcus criticized Trump’s claims about election cheating, with Marcus asserting that Trump had been laying the groundwork to contest any loss. Hewitt interjected, referencing a successful legal challenge regarding election procedures in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which added to the tension of the discussion.
Hewitt's exit underscores ongoing tensions within The Washington Post as it navigates its editorial direction amidst criticism of its perceived liberal bias. As morale among some staffers reportedly declines, the paper faces scrutiny over its management and editorial choices, especially in light of significant resignations and shifting subscriber numbers.
With Hewitt's departure, The Washington Post further consolidates its opinion roster, which has been criticized for lacking diverse viewpoints, particularly from conservative perspectives.