Washington Post Publishes Op-Ed by Professional Clown Defending Trump Label

The Washington Post published an op-ed by Tim Cunningham, a professional clown and board president of Clowns Without Borders, defending the art of clowning and rejecting its frequent use as a derogatory term for President Donald Trump and his administration. Cunningham argues that clowning is a sacred, studied craft associated with healing, empathy, and social reflection, and asserts that Trump does not deserve to be called a clown, suggesting critics use terms like "buffoon" instead. The op-ed sparked criticism and mockery, with conservatives highlighting it as an example of the Post's ongoing biased editorial stance against Trump despite efforts by owner Jeff Bezos to shift the paper's opinion section toward supporting free markets and personal liberty. The piece also drew backlash for downplaying Trump's accomplishments, such as job growth and economic gains, which defenders say contradict the negative portrayal. Social media reactions ranged from disbelief to ridicule, with some seeing the publication of a literal clown's defense of clowning in politics as emblematic of the Post's editorial challenges and decline. This controversy highlights the polarized media environment surrounding President Trump's leadership and the evolving editorial direction of a major news outlet.